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Resonance Structures (Simplified) definitions

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  • Resonance Structure
    A valid Lewis dot depiction for a polyatomic ion with at least one pi bond, differing only in electron placement.
  • Lewis Dot Structure
    A diagram showing valence electrons as dots around atoms, illustrating bonding and lone pairs.
  • Pi Bond
    A type of covalent bond formed from sideways overlap of p orbitals, present in double or triple bonds.
  • Lone Pair
    A pair of valence electrons not involved in bonding, often participating in resonance.
  • Nitrite Anion
    A polyatomic ion with formula NO2−, exhibiting two equivalent resonance structures.
  • Double Bond
    A chemical bond involving two shared pairs of electrons, containing one sigma and one pi bond.
  • Triple Bond
    A chemical bond involving three shared pairs of electrons, containing one sigma and two pi bonds.
  • Double-Sided Arrow
    A symbol used to indicate equivalence between resonance structures in diagrams.
  • Resonance Hybrid
    A composite structure representing the average of all major resonance forms, showing delocalized electrons.
  • Dotted Line
    A graphical element used to indicate regions where pi bonds are delocalized in a resonance hybrid.
  • Brackets
    Symbols used to enclose resonance hybrids, with the overall charge indicated outside.
  • Charge
    An indication of electron surplus or deficit, shown outside brackets for polyatomic ions.
  • Composite
    A representation formed by averaging all resonance structures to depict the true electron distribution.