Question

molecule is best described as
being identical to the resonance structure with the fewest bonds.
rapidly switching between the different resonance forms.
a hybrid or average of all the contributing resonance structures.
being identical to the resonance structure with the most double bonds.
when drawing the lewis structure for a polyatomic ion, why is it necessary to add or subtract electrons from the total number of valence electrons?
to account for differences in electronegativity between the atoms.
to indicate the presence of coordinate covalent bonds.
to satisfy the octet rule for all atoms in the ion.
to reflect the overall charge of the ion.
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Explanation:

1. A resonance - hybrid is the actual structure of a molecule which is an average of all contributing resonance structures. Resonance structures are just different Lewis - structure representations of the same molecule.
2. For a polyatomic ion, the overall charge of the ion must be accounted for. Adding or subtracting electrons from the total number of valence electrons reflects this overall charge. A positive charge means electrons are lost, and a negative charge means electrons are gained.

Answer:

1. A hybrid of average of all the contributing resonance structures.
2. To reflect the overall charge of the ion.