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Ch.10 - Chemical Bonding I: The Lewis Model
Chapter 10, Problem 68

In N2O, nitrogen is the central atom and the oxygen atom is terminal. In OF2, however, oxygen is the central atom. Use formal charges to explain why.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Formal Charge

Formal charge is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule, calculated based on the number of valence electrons, the number of bonds, and the number of non-bonding electrons. It helps in determining the most stable structure of a molecule by minimizing the formal charges across all atoms. A lower formal charge on an atom generally indicates a more stable configuration.
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Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. The central atom's position and the surrounding atoms influence the overall shape, which can affect the molecule's reactivity and properties. Understanding molecular geometry is crucial for predicting how atoms will bond and interact in different compounds.
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Central vs. Terminal Atoms

In a molecule, central atoms are typically bonded to multiple other atoms, while terminal atoms are usually bonded to only one other atom. The choice of which atom is central can affect the distribution of electrons and the overall stability of the molecule. In the case of N2O and OF2, the central atom's identity influences the formal charge calculations, leading to different preferred structures.
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