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ChemistryOrganic Chemistry

For Resonance Forms of a Molecule or Ion, the Observed Structure Is an Average

The observed structure is a resonance hybrid of valid contributors, not one selected form and not a species that switches between drawings.

Question

For resonance forms of a molecule or ion:

A. One always corresponds to the observed structure.

B. The observed structure keeps alternating between different resonance forms.

C. The observed structure is an average of the resonance forms.

D. The same atoms need not be bonded to each other in all resonance forms.

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Evidence boundary

“Average” is the wording used by this multiple-choice version for the resonance hybrid. It is not a time average and does not imply rapid switching. The page follows the Marshall four-option question and does not mix in the additional distractor found in other versions.