Is the formal charge on N the same or different in these two species? Is the formal charge on the same or different in these two species? a) The formal charge on N is 0 in both species.
b) The formal charge on N is 0 in HNO2 and +1 in NO2−.
c) The formal charge on N is +1 in HNO2 and 0 in NO2−.
d) The formal charge on N is +1 in both species.

a) The formal charge on N is 0 in both species.

Explanation:

The formal charge is calculated using the formular;

FC = V-N-B/2

Where;

V = Number of Valence electrons

N = number of nonbonding valence electrons

B = total number of electrons shared in bonds

In NO2-;

The formal charge of N is given as;

FC = 5 - 2 - 6/2

FC = 0

In HNO2

The formal charge of N is given as;

FC = 0

The correct option is;

a) The formal charge on N is 0 in both species.