Formal Charge and Valence Electrons in SO3

The video tutorial explains how to calculate the formal charges of the SO3 molecule. It begins with the central sulfur atom, which has six valence electrons. Since all electrons are involved in double bonds, the formal charge on sulfur is zero. The tutorial then calculates the formal charge for oxygen, which is also zero due to symmetrical bonding. The overall formal charge of the SO3 molecule is zero, confirming it is not a charged molecule.

What is the first step in calculating the formal charge of an atom?

• Count the total number of atoms.

• Determine the molecular geometry.

• Identify the number of valence electrons.

• Calculate the molecular weight.

How many valence electrons does sulfur have in SO3?

• Four

• Ten

• Six

• Eight

What is the formal charge on the sulfur atom in SO3?

• +1

• -1

• 0

• +2

Why do we only need to calculate the formal charge for one oxygen atom in SO3?

• Because they are not involved in bonding.

• Because they have different valence electrons.

• Because they are symmetrical.

• Because they are all different.

How many non-bonding valence electrons are present on each oxygen atom in SO3?

• Four

• Two

• Eight

• Six

What is the formal charge on each oxygen atom in SO3?

• 0

• +2

• -1

• +1

What is the overall formal charge of the SO3 molecule?

• +2

• 0

• -1

• +1