Resonance structures can be written for .

Options

A. `O_(3)`
B. `NH_(3)`
C. `CH_(4)`
D. `H_(2)O`

Answer

To determine which molecules can exhibit resonance structures, we need to analyze the bonding and electron arrangements in each molecule. Resonance structures are typically possible when there are double or triple bonds that can shift between different atoms.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Molecules**: The question asks for resonance structures for specific molecules. Let's consider the following:
- Ozone (O₃)
- Ammonia (NH₃)
- Methane (CH₄)
- Hydroperoxyl (HO₂)

2. **Analyze Ozone (O₃)**:
- Ozone consists of three oxygen atoms. Each oxygen has six valence electrons.
- The Lewis structure shows a double bond between one pair of oxygen atoms and a single bond with a coordinate bond involving the third oxygen.
- **Resonance Structures**: The double bond can shift between the two oxygen atoms, creating different resonance structures. Thus, ozone can exhibit resonance.

3. **Analyze Ammonia (NH₃)**:
- Ammonia has three hydrogen atoms bonded to a nitrogen atom with a lone pair on nitrogen.
- The bonding consists of single sigma bonds only, with no double or triple bonds present.
- **Resonance Structures**: Since there are no double bonds, ammonia cannot exhibit resonance.

4. **Analyze Methane (CH₄)**:
- Methane has four hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom, forming four single sigma bonds.
- There are no lone pairs or multiple bonds.
- **Resonance Structures**: Methane cannot exhibit resonance due to the absence of double or triple bonds.

5. **Analyze Hydroperoxyl (HO₂)**:
- Hydroperoxyl consists of an oxygen-oxygen single bond with hydroxyl (OH) groups.
- There are two lone pairs on one of the oxygen atoms, but there are no double or triple bonds.
- **Resonance Structures**: Hydroperoxyl cannot exhibit resonance due to the absence of double bonds.

### Conclusion:
Among the given molecules, only ozone (O₃) can exhibit resonance structures due to the presence of double bonds that can shift between the oxygen atoms. The other molecules (NH₃, CH₄, and HO₂) do not have the necessary bonding arrangements to allow for resonance.