AP®︎ Chemistry: Topic 2.6 Flashcards

Master key terms and definitions for Topic 2.6 of AP Chemistry – Resonance and Formal Charge to help you prep for quizzes and the AP exam.

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Term

Resonance Hybrid

Definition

The actual structure is the average of all resonance structures, not any one drawing.

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Resonance Hybrid
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The actual structure is the average of all resonance structures, not any one drawing.

2.6.A2.6.A.1
Delocalized Electrons
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Electrons spread over multiple atoms rather than confined to one bond or atom.

2.6.A2.6.A.1
Fractional Bond Order in Resonance
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Average bond order equals total bond lines divided by equivalent bond positions.

2.6.A2.6.A.1
Formal Charge
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Assigned charge on an atom assuming bonding electrons are shared equally.

2.6.A2.6.A.2
Formal Charge Formula
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Valence electrons minus lone electrons minus number of bonds around the atom.

2.6.A2.6.A.2
Choosing the Best Lewis Structure
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Prefer full octets, minimal formal charges, and negative charge on more electronegative atoms.

2.6.A2.6.A.2
Sum of Formal Charges Rule
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The total of all assigned charges must equal the molecule's or ion's overall charge.

2.6.A2.6.A.2
Equivalent vs. Nonequivalent Lewis Structures
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Equivalent forms contribute equally; nonequivalent forms are judged by octets and formal charges.

2.6.A2.6.A.2
Resonance Arrow
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A double-headed arrow between resonance structures shows alternative representations of one species.

2.6.A2.6.A.1
Limitations of Lewis Structures
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They can fail for odd-electron species and cannot fully show delocalization or fractional bonds.

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Odd-Electron Species
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Molecules or ions with an odd number of valence electrons cannot give every atom an octet.

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Resonance
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Two or more equivalent Lewis diagrams represent one delocalized electron arrangement.

2.6.A2.6.A.1
Major Resonance Contributor
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The most stable valid structure has full octets and the most favorable formal charges.

2.6.A2.6.A.2