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Chapter 2 - Models Of Bonding & Structure

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Atom Symbol

Chapter 1 - Models Of The Particulate Nature Of Matter

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 Globe with Meridians

Chapter 3 - Classification Of Matter

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Fire

Chapter 4 - What Drives Chemical Reactions?

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Rocket

Chapter 5 - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

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Test Tube

Chapter 6 - What Are The Mechanisms Of Chemical Change?

Imagine your favorite candy was shared equally among your friends. Wouldn&#39;t that be fair? Now, just like sharing that candy, atoms share electrons. The &quot;formal charge&quot; helps us understand how these electrons are divided.

Formal charge is like a scorecard for an atom in a molecule. It tells us if the atom has more or fewer electrons than it should.

<ul>
	<li>Real-world analogy: Think of it as a bank account balance for an atom. If an atom lends out electrons (like money), it might end up with a deficit (negative balance). If it borrows more, it might end up in surplus (positive balance).</li>
</ul>

Formula 
FC = VE &ndash; (NBE + &frac12;BE)

<ul>
	<li>FC: Formal Charge</li>
	<li>VE: Number of valence electrons the atom had before any bonding.</li>
	<li>NBE: Number of electrons that aren&rsquo;t shared with anyone (like your personal candies 🍬).</li>
	<li>BE: Number of electrons that are shared (like candies you split with a friend 🍬👯&zwj;♂️).</li>
</ul>

Sometimes there&rsquo;s more than one way to draw a molecule using Lewis structures. By checking the formal charges, we can pick the BEST representation.

🌟 Golden Rules to Remember

<ul>
	<li>Zero is the Hero: The closer the formal charges are to zero, the happier the molecule.</li>
	<li>Low Differences: We want little difference between the charges in a molecule.</li>
	<li>Electronegative Atoms: If there&#39;s a negative charge, it&#39;s usually found on the more electronegative atom(s).</li>
</ul>

Real-world example: Let&#39;s consider picking the best ice cream flavor for a party. You have many options, but you&#39;ll choose the one most people like. Similarly, out of all possible Lewis structures, we pick the one that most atoms are happy with.

The total of all formal charges in a molecule should be equal to the molecule&#39;s overall charge. It&#39;s like ensuring all your party guests get an equal share of your favorite candy! 🍬🥳

&nbsp;

Remember to always check the formal charge when in doubt about which Lewis structure best represents a molecule. It&#39;s the atom&#39;s way of giving you a thumbs up (or down) on your choice! 👍👎

&nbsp;

Pop Quiz 
Imagine a molecule with the following:

<ul>
	<li>VE = 5</li>
	<li>NBE = 2</li>
	<li>BE = 6</li>
</ul>

What&#39;s the formal charge? (Hint: Use the formula!) 🧠✨

Unlock Chemistry: Understand Formal Charge 2.2.14!

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Standard Level

Chemistry SL

Chapter 2 - Models Of Bonding & Structure

Unlock Chemistry: Understand Formal Charge 2.2.14!

Table of content

Fun introduction🎉

What is a formal charge?📌

Calculating the formal charge📝

Unlock the Full Content!

Chapter 2 - Models Of Bonding & Structure

Unlock Chemistry: Understand Formal Charge 2.2.14!

Table of content

Fun introduction🎉

What is a formal charge?📌

Calculating the formal charge📝

Unlock the Full Content!