Question

Resonance structures are Lewis structures drawn for a molecule when more than one Lewis structure is needed to explain the molecular structure. Resonance results in extended

__________?

of some electrons among more than two nuclei of the molecule. This results in lowering of kinetic and potential energies that imparts added stability to the molecule.

Note. In covalent bond formation the bonding electrons are delocalized between only two atoms. Resonance is taking the delocalization of electrons between nuclei to the next level.

2.

An electron domain is defined as an electron density region around a (central) atom. A single bond, a double bond, a triple bond, or a lone electron pair are considered as an electron domain. Match the molecule with the correct number of electron domains around the central atom. For instance, NH3: 4 electron domains (3 single bonds and 1 lone pair) ___ 3 electron domains ____ 2 electron domains ____ 4 electron domains 1. H2O 2. CO2 3. SO3

Answer 1

Q1. Resonance structures are Lewis structures drawn for a molecule when more than one Lewis structure is needed to explain the molecular structure. Resonance results in extended delocalization of some electrons among more than two nuclei of the molecule. This results in lowering of kinetic and potential energies that imparts added stability to the molecule.

Q2. H₂O 4 electron domains (2 single bonds and 2 lone pair of electrons)

CO₂2 electron domains (2 double bonds)

SO₃3 electron domains (3 double bonds)