Shown below is the Lewis structure of bromate ion:

A. What is the formal charge on the bromine (Br) atom?
B. What is the formal charge of each of the oxygen (O) atoms labeled a, b, and c?

• A. Br = 0; a = –1; b = –1; c = 0
• B. Br = +1; a = 0; b = 0; c =+1
• C. Br = 0; a = 0; b = 0; c = –1
• D. Br = +1; a = –1; b = –1; c = 0
• E. Br = 0; a = –1; b = –1; c = +1

Answer: (C)