A formal charge calculator is an online tool to predict the formal charge on an individual atom. A formal charge is a charge assigned to an atom in a molecule. It is a hypothetical charge, not representing the actual charge on the atom. A formal charge concept is very helpful in determining whether the structure is stable or not.
A lesser formal charge(near zero) is preferable for a stable structure.
For instance, the +2 formal charge structure is less stable than the +1 formal charge.
Formal charge calculator
How to use a Formal charge calculator?
Before using, Formal charge calculator tool, you must know some basic terms that will help you to understand the concept of a formal charge.
Step 2 – Find the number of nonbonding electrons on the nitrogen atom
Nonbonding electrons also called lone pair electrons are represented as dots in the structure of molecules or atoms. They do not take part in the formation of bonds.
Note: 1 lone pair means 2 nonbonding electrons
So, the number of nonbonding electrons on the Nitrogen atom is 2.
Step 3 – Find the number of bonding electrons around the nitrogen atom
Bonding electrons are the number of electrons shared in bonds with other atoms. They are mostly represented as single, double, or triple bonds in the structure of a molecule.
Note: One single bond contains two bonding electrons.
So, the number of bonding electrons around the Nitrogen atom is 6.
Step 4 – Calculate the formal charge of the nitrogen atom
So, we have got the data for calculating the formal charge for nitrogen atoms.
For nitrogen atom
⇒ Valence electrons of nitrogen = 5
⇒ Nonbonding electrons on nitrogen = 2
⇒ Bonding electrons around nitrogen (3 single bonds) = 6
Put these values in the Formal charge calculator and hit the calculate button.
Let’s say you have to find the overall formal charge for the compound. Let’s take an example of a CO2 compound. Before calculating the formal charge for CO2, first, you must draw the lewis structure for CO2.
For instance, the structure of CO2 is –
Let’s find out the formal charge for the individual atom of the CO2 molecule.
Start with an oxygen atom –
⇒ The number of valence electrons in the oxygen atom is 6.
⇒ Nonbonding electrons of oxygen = 4
⇒ Bonding electrons around oxygen (one double bond) = 4
∴ (6 – 4 – 4/2) = 0 formal charge on the oxygen atom.
Now calculate the formal charge for the carbon atoms.
⇒ Valence electrons of carbon = 4
⇒ Nonbonding electrons on carbon = 0
⇒ Bonding electrons around carbon (two double bonds) = 8
∴ (4 – 0 – 8/2) = 0 formal charge on the carbon atom.
So, Each atom (carbon and oxygen) in the CO2 structure gets a formal charge equal to zero.
Therefore, the overall formal charge in CO2 is zero, and according to the concept of formal charge, this is the best and most stable structure of CO2.
So, that’s you can easily calculate the formal charge for any atom or molecule, or you can use our Formal charge calculator tool to get the answer quickly.
Formal charge is very important to check the stability of lewis structures.
To use the formal charge calculator tool, you must have three data of an atom.
Valence electron of the atom.
The number of nonbonding electrons on the atom.
The number of bonding electrons around an atom.
After that, fill the data in respective fields and hit the calculate button of the Formal charge calculator to get the answer.
What is a formal charge and its formula?
A formal charge is a charge assigned to an atom in a molecule. It is a hypothetical charge, not representing the actual charge on the atom. The lesser the formal charge(near to zero) better is the stability of the structure.
Vishal Goyal is the founder of Topblogtenz, a comprehensive resource for students seeking guidance and support in their chemistry studies. He holds a degree in B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) and has four years of experience as a chemistry tutor. The team at Topblogtenz includes experts like experienced researchers, professors, and educators, with the goal of making complex subjects like chemistry accessible and understandable for all. A passion for sharing knowledge and a love for chemistry and science drives the team behind the website. Let's connect through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-goyal-2926a122b/
2 thoughts on “Formal Charge Calculator, Chemistry”
Teresa
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Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your background and experience. It’s wonderful to hear that our site has been a helpful resource for your student’s AP Chemistry studies. We’re thrilled to know that we have played a small part in their academic success. Thank you for your support and for being a part of our community!
Topblogtenz is a website dedicated to providing informative and engaging content related to the field of chemistry and science. We aim to make complex subjects, like chemistry, approachable and enjoyable for everyone.
I adore your thoroughness in explanations. Super impressive! I am strong in math and science and have had the privilege of applying my knowledge in my profession through kinesiology, biomechanics and exercise science and I also have a b.s. in elementary and secondary education. Currently, I am an academic tutor for world class athletes in winter sports (i.e. downhill, moguls, hockey, snowboarding, et.al.) in Vail, Colorado. The athletes are not only high performers in their events but also in their academics so I get to tutor many advance courses for grades 5th-12th. Your site has been my “go to” for my student in AP chemistry. She has a 98.29% and she is capable of 100%. We only get bits and pieces of information from her home school classroom teacher (her high school is Colorado Springs, 160 mile away) so it creates some difficulty in understanding material and creating competency in order to successfully finish his assignments and prepare for his tests. Your site is great support to help her have a comprehensive understanding of the content.
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your background and experience. It’s wonderful to hear that our site has been a helpful resource for your student’s AP Chemistry studies. We’re thrilled to know that we have played a small part in their academic success. Thank you for your support and for being a part of our community!