Question

Draw the lewis structure for so42-. How many equivalent resonance structures can be drawn?

Answer 1

Answer : The Lewis-dot structure and resonating structure of $SO_4^{2-}$ is shown below.

Explanation :

Resonance structure : Resonance structure is an alternating method or way of drawing a Lewis-dot structure for a compound.

Resonance structure is defined as any of two or more possible structures of the compound. These structures have the identical geometry but have different arrangements of the paired electrons. Thus, we can say that the resonating structure are just the way of representing the same molecule.

First we have to determine the Lewis-dot structure of $SO_4^{2-}$.

Lewis-dot structure : It shows the bonding between the atoms of a molecule and it also shows the unpaired electrons present in the molecule.

In the Lewis-dot structure the valance electrons are shown by 'dot'.

The given molecule is, $SO_4^{2-}$

As we know that sulfur and oxygen has '6' valence electrons.

Therefore, the total number of valence electrons in $SO_4^{2-}$ = 6 + 4(6) + 2 = 32

According to Lewis-dot structure, there are 12 number of bonding electrons and 20 number of non-bonding electrons.

Hence, the Lewis-dot structure and resonating structure of $SO_4^{2-}$ is shown below.