Question

1st attempt
part 1 (1 point)
what is the formal charge on the carbon atom in cyanide, cn⁻? the complete lewis structure is drawn, but formal charges and overall charges have been purposely omitted.
:c≡n:
choose one:
a. -2
b. 0
c. +2
d. +1
e. -1

Explanation:

Step1: Recall formal - charge formula

The formula for formal charge is $FC = V - N - \frac{B}{2}$, where $V$ is the number of valence electrons of the neutral atom, $N$ is the number of non - bonding electrons, and $B$ is the number of bonding electrons.

Step2: Identify values for carbon in $CN^-$

Carbon has 4 valence electrons ($V = 4$). In the Lewis structure of $CN^-$, carbon has 2 non - bonding electrons ($N = 2$) and 6 bonding electrons ($B = 6$).

Step3: Calculate formal charge

Substitute the values into the formula: $FC=4 - 2-\frac{6}{2}=4 - 2 - 3=-1$.

Answer:

E. -1