Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1011 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Resonance Structures Are Contributing Forms
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The idea
Every resonance structure for one molecule contributes to a single averaged real structure, with bond lengths intermediate between the drawn extremes.
In practice
Ozone's two oxygen-oxygen bonds measure identical in length, both intermediate between a single and a double bond.
Where people slip
No resonance structure by itself is the molecule's true structure; each is only one contributing sketch toward the average.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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