The given figure represents a specific Lewis structure for the nitrous oxide ( N₂O ) molecule. Based on the provided arrangement of electrons, what are the formal charges on the atoms labelled 1, 2, and 3 respectively?

Step-by-step solution

The formal charge (FC) on an atom in a Lewis structure is given by the formula: FC = V - L - S 2 where V is the number of valence electrons on the free neutral atom, L is the number of non-bonding (lone pair) electrons, and S is the number of shared (bonding) electrons. For atom 1 (Nitrogen): Valence electrons ( V ) = 5 Non-bonding electrons ( L ) = 4 Shared electrons ( S ) = 4 (from one double bond) FC₁ = 5 - 4 - 4 2 = -1 For atom 2 (Nitrogen): Valence electrons ( V ) = 5 Non-bonding electrons ( L ) = 0 Shared ele