Question

Assertion (A) Formal charges do not indicate real charge separation within the molecule.
Reason (R) Formal charges help in the selection of the lowest energy structure from a number of possible Lewis structures for a given species.

• A. Both $A$ and $R$ are correct; $R$ is the correct explanation of $A$.
• B. Both $A$ and $R$ are correct; $R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$.
• C. $A$ is correct; $R$ is incorrect.
• D. $A$ is incorrect; $R$ is correct.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Formal charge help in the selection of lowest energy structure from a number of possible structures for a given species. Formal charge do not indicate real charge separation within the molecule.
Thus, both $A$ and $R$ are correct but $R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$.