Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes resonance in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Resonance forms are interconverted by moving electrons only, not atoms.

Question 2

Consider the resonance forms of the acetate ion. Which statement is correct regarding the bond order of the carbon-oxygen bonds in the acetate ion?

Accepted Answer

Each C–O bond is halfway between a single and a double bond.

Question 3

Which of the following criteria is the MOST important when determining the major resonance contributor?

Accepted Answer

The structure in which all atoms have complete octets.

Question 4

Given the resonance forms of $$\ce{CH3OCH2+}$$, why is the structure with octets on all atoms the major contributor?

Accepted Answer

Because all atoms have complete octets, increasing stability.

Question 5

In the resonance forms of $$\ce{NCO^-}$$, why is the form with the negative charge on oxygen the major contributor?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is more electronegative than nitrogen.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a valid criterion for evaluating resonance forms?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing charge separation.

Question 7

A resonance structure has a carbon atom with only six electrons around it. What does this imply about its contribution to the resonance hybrid?

Accepted Answer

It is likely the minor contributor.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the acetate ion is stabilized by resonance?

Accepted Answer

The negative charge is delocalized over both oxygen atoms.

Question 9

Which resonance form is the major contributor for the following structure: $$\ce{CH3O-N=O}$$?

Accepted Answer

The form with all atoms having octets and the negative charge on oxygen.

Question 10

Which of the following is true about the resonance hybrid of a molecule?

Accepted Answer

It is an average of all possible resonance forms.

Question 11

In the resonance forms of formaldehyde ($$\ce{H2C=O}$$), which form is the major contributor?

Accepted Answer

The form with a double bond between C and O and all atoms with octets.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of resonance on the dipole moment of a molecule?

Accepted Answer

Resonance can delocalize charge, affecting the magnitude and direction of the dipole moment.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-life example where resonance stabilization is crucial?

Accepted Answer

The stability of the acetate ion in biological systems.

Question 14

Which resonance form is the major contributor for the following structure: $$\ce{CH2=CH-O^-}$$?

Accepted Answer

The form with a negative charge on the oxygen atom.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why opposite charges should be on adjacent atoms in resonance forms?

Accepted Answer

To minimize charge separation and increase stability.

Question 16

Which of the following is the best description of a resonance hybrid?

Accepted Answer

A weighted average of all valid resonance forms.

Question 17

In the context of resonance, what is the significance of the octet rule?

Accepted Answer

Structures in which all atoms have complete octets are generally more stable and are major contributors.

Question 18

Which of the following is a common misconception about resonance?

Accepted Answer

Resonance forms are in rapid equilibrium with each other.

Resonance in Organic Chemistry: Principles, Contributors, and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions