calculating formal charge and info about molecular structure

what is formal charge?

hypothetical charge the atom would have if we could redistribute the electrons in the bonds between the atoms

what is the calculation for formal charges

#number of valence electrons in free atom - #of lone pair electrons -1/2 #bonding electrons

guidlines for seeing which structure is most likely using formal charges: 1: molecular structure where all formal charges are _______ preferred

0

guidlines for seeing which structure is most likely using formal charges: 2: if lewis structure must have nonzero formal charges, one with ________________________ formal chargers preferred

smallest nonzero

guidlines for seeing which structure is most likely using formal charges: 3: structure with _______________ formal charges on the _____________ electronegative atoms preferred

negative, more