Neco 2023 Chemistry Question 3

Practice essay / theory question 3 from the 2023 Neco Chemistry examination. This question covers chemical bonding, Lewis structures, formal charge, resonance .

Neco 2023 Chemistry Essay / Theory

Topics: chemical bonding Lewis structures formal charge resonance

Question 3 NECO • 2023 • CHEMISTRY • essay

The diagram shows the skeletal structure of the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻). Nitrogen is at the centre and is bonded to three oxygen atoms. The bond order between N and O₁ is shown as a double bond, while the bonds to O₂ and O₃ are shown as single bonds. Lone pairs on the atoms are not drawn.

Question Parts

( a )

Complete the Lewis structure of the nitrate ion by adding all lone pairs and indicating the formal charge on each atom.

( b )

State the type of bond (single, double or coordinate) present between nitrogen and each oxygen atom.

( c )

Calculate the formal charge on each atom using the formula: FC = valence electrons – (non‑bonding electrons + ½ bonding electrons). Show your calculation for one atom only; the others may be stated directly.

( d )

Explain why the nitrate ion exhibits resonance and discuss how resonance affects the N–O bond lengths observed experimentally.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2023 Chemistry Question 3. It is one of the essay questions from the 2023 Neco Chemistry examination.

The question covers chemical bonding, Lewis structures, formal charge, resonance .

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