Question

Which statement best describes an O3 molecule?

Each atom in ozone is connected to another atom by a bond having a bond order of 1.5.

The double bond in ozone switches back and forth between the two outer oxygen atoms.

An ozone molecule contains one single bond and one double bond.

Answer 1

Concepts and reason

The ozone molecule $\left( {{{\rm{O}}_3}} \right)$ is having a bent shape which can be predicted using VSEPR theory. One structure of ozone is not sufficient to explain its stability therefore, more than one structure is drawn.

Fundamentals

When one single structure of a species is not able to explain the bonding and other characteristic properties then resonance comes into picture. It is the delocalization of loosely bound electrons (Pi electrons) with in the given Lewis structure. The structures representing this delocalization is termed as resonating structures.

The resonating structures for ozone are as follows:

Each oxygen-oxygen bond is approximately 1.5.

Ans:

The best statement which describes ozone molecule is