Write the various steps involved in the Lewis structure for nitrate `(NO_(3)^(-))` ion.

Explanation

Step I. Total number of valence electrons may be calculated as follows :
For N atom (5) , for three O atoms (18) , total `=5+18=23`
Step II. Since the species is a negatively charged anion the actual electrons to be considered `=23+1=24`.
Step III. The skeletal structure for nitrate ion `(NO_(3)^(-))` may be written as: `O overset(O)(N) O`
StepIV. Place one shared electron pair between all the three pairs of atoms and complete their octets.
Step V. In order to complete the octet of the central N atom, place a double bond (two shared electron pairs) with one of the oxygen atoms