Question

How are resonance structures for a molecule or polyatomic ion represented?

• A. With a double-headed arrow in between structures
• B. As a progression of structures
• C. The parts of each structure that vary are circled or highlighted
• D. They are simply displayed

Answer 1

The correct option is D They are simply displayed

• They can be represented by several correct Lewis formulas, called 'contributing structures', 'resonance structures' or 'canonical forms'. The real structure is an intermediate of these structures represented by a resonance hybrid.
  
• In diagrams, contributing structures are typically separated by double-headed arrows (↔).