Scientific Tutor

VIDEO explanation of resonance structures.

What are resonance structures?

Resonance structures are possible alternatives ways to present or draw electron dot structures (Lewis structures) that have double or triple bonds. Not all electron dot structures (lewis structures) that have double or triple bonds will have resonance structures but many of the ones you come across will. Examples below.

(NO3- pictures)

In the pictures above you can notice that the double bond could form between any of the oxygens and the nitrogen. This means that the structures shown are resonance structures of each other. The double bond can resonate (rotate) to produce any of the possible structures.

Examples: Draw the electron structure and then find all possible resonance structures for the molecule or ion. VIDEO Resonance Structures Examples 1.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS: Draw the electron structure and then find all possible resonance structures for the molecule or ion.

I am very limited in the practice problems I can present unless I know your class has taught the more complicated college sections on electron dot structures (Lewis structures).