Question

how do the resonance structures for ozone, o₃, differ?
○ a. they have different numbers of atoms.
○ b. they have atoms in different positions.
○ c. they have different numbers of electrons.
○ d. they have electrons in different locations.

Explanation:

• Resonance structures represent the delocalization of electrons in a molecule.
• In ozone (\(O_3\)), the atoms and the total number of electrons remain the same in all resonance structures.
• The difference lies in the distribution (location) of electrons (i.e., the position of double and single bonds which are made up of electron pairs).

Answer:

D. They have electrons in different locations.