Question

a lewis structure with placeholder elements is shown. if the formal charge of the central atom is +1, choose the possible identity or identities of the central atom.

Explanation:

The formula for formal charge is \(FC = V - N - \frac{B}{2}\), where \(V\) is the number of valence electrons, \(N\) is the number of non - bonding electrons, and \(B\) is the number of bonding electrons.
From the Lewis structure, the central atom has 4 bonding pairs (\(B = 8\)) and 1 non - bonding pair (\(N=2\)). Given \(FC = + 1\).
Using the formula \(+1=V - 2-\frac{8}{2}\), then \(+1=V - 2 - 4\), so \(V=7\).
Chlorine (\(Cl\)), bromine (\(Br\)), and iodine (\(I\)) have 7 valence electrons.

Answer:

D. Cl, Br, or I