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QuestionChemistry

How many resonance structures can be drawn for ozone, O^3?
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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Understand the Molecular Structure

Ozone ($$O_{3}$$) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms.
To determine the number of resonance structures, we need to analyze its electron configuration and bonding possibilities.

Step 3:
: Electron Configuration

- For $$O_{3}$$, total valence electrons = $$3 \times 6 = 18$$ electrons
- Oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons

Step 4:
: Lewis Structure Analysis

- Draw the initial Lewis structure with single and double bonds - Distribute electrons to satisfy octet rule - Look for possible electron rearrangements that maintain the same atomic arrangement

Step 5:
: Resonance Structure Identification

We can draw two equivalent resonance structures for ozone:

Step 6:

Structure with a single bond between two oxygen atoms and a double bond to the third

Step 7:

Structure with a double bond between a different pair of oxygen atoms

Step 8:
: Resonance Structure Visualization

The two resonance structures are symmetrical, with the double bond "moving" between different oxygen atom pairs.

Final Answer

2 resonance structures can be drawn for ozone (O_{3}).