Question

what must be conserved in all resonance structures? a. the formal charge on each atom. b. the total number of electrons. c. the molecular shape. d. the exact placement of electrons.

Explanation:

Resonance structures are different Lewis - structure depictions of the same molecule or ion. The total number of electrons remains constant as resonance involves only the delocalization of electrons within the molecule. The formal charge on atoms can be distributed differently in resonance structures. The molecular shape is not always conserved as resonance can involve different arrangements related to the pi - bonding. The exact placement of electrons is different in resonance structures as they represent different ways of distributing electrons in the molecule.

Answer:

B. The total number of electrons.