How to Draw the Lewis Structure for Ozone (and resonance)

Wayne Breslyn (Dr. B.) Guide 1 years ago

Descrição

In this video, we walk through how to draw the Lewis structure for ozone (O₃), step by step. We look at how valence electrons are distributed, where the lone pairs go, and how the bonding works between the three oxygen atoms.

Ozone has two possible resonance structures — one with the double bond on the left, and one with the double bond on the right. But the real structure is a resonance hybrid of both. I explain what that means and why it matters when you're trying to understand the molecule’s behavior.

We also talk about molecular geometry, specifically why ozone has a bent shape. Using VSEPR theory, we look at how the lone pairs on the central oxygen push the molecule into this geometry.