Question

a lewis structure with placeholder elements is shown. if the formal charge of the central atom is 0, choose the possible identities of the central atom. answer: a n, p, or as b cl, br, or i c p or as d f, cl, br, or i e o, s, or se

Explanation:

The formula for formal charge \( FC = V - N - \frac{B}{2} \), where \( V \) is the number of valence electrons, \( N \) is the number of non - bonding electrons, and \( B \) is the number of bonding electrons. In the Lewis structure, the central atom has \( 2 \) lone pairs (\( N = 4 \)) and forms \( 3 \) bonds (\( B=6 \)). If \( FC = 0 \), then \( V=4 + 3=7 \). Elements in group 16 (O, S, Se) have \( 6 \) valence electrons. Elements in group 15 (N, P, As) have \( 5 \) valence electrons. Elements in group 17 (F, Cl, Br, I) have \( 7 \) valence electrons.

Answer:

B. \( Cl, Br, \text{or }I \)