The formal changes on the atoms marked as (1) to (4) in the Lewis representation of HnO3 molecule respectively are
(A)+1,0,0,−1
(B)0,−1,0,+1
(C)0,+1,0,−1✓ Correct
(D)0,0,−1,+1
Answer: (C)
Solution
Formal charge equals the valence electrons of the free atom minus its non-bonding electrons minus half its bonding electrons. The oxygen marked (1) joins hydrogen and nitrogen through two single bonds and keeps two lone pairs: 6−4−2=0. The nitrogen (2) forms four bonds (a single bond to each of two oxygens and a double bond to the third) with no lone pair: 5−0−4=+1. The doubly bonded oxygen (3) has two lone pairs: 6−4−2=0. The singly bonded oxygen (4) carries three lone pairs: 6−6−1=−1. The formal charges on atoms (1) to (4) are 0,+1,0,−1.
JEE Main · 2026 · 22 Jan 2026 · Shift 1 · Single correct option
