Question

question 17
a student proposed the following lewis structure for ch2cl2. what is the formal charge on carbon, as drawn?
question 18
select the answer that correctly ranks the elements by decreasing electronegativity.

Explanation:

Step1: Valence electrons of C

Carbon has 4 valence electrons.

Step2: Non-bonding electrons on C

0 (no lone pairs).

Step3: Bonding electrons of C

4 bonds (2 C-H, 2 C-Cl), 8 electrons total.

Step4: Formal charge calculation

FC = 4 - 0 - (8/2) = 0.

Step1: Electronegativity trend

Increases across period, decreases down group.

Step2: O vs N (period 2)

O (group 16) > N (group 15).

Step3: N vs P (group 15)

N (period 2) > P (period 3).

Step4: P vs Al (period 3)

P (group 15) > Al (group 13).

Step5: Combine order

O > N > P > Al.

Answer:

0
O > N > P > Al