Which Lewis Structure is the Most Stable?

[yecko]

Homework Statement

http://i.imgur.com/Jt3u2uo.png

Homework Equations

octet structure
bond strength
bond order

The Attempt at a Solution

I have no idea why the answer is b... after reading the book...
thank you.

 

[John Park]

Have you tried to apply the criteria in 2. to each structure?

 

[Ygggdrasil]

It would be useful to calculate the formal charge on each atom for the different structures then remember that, the more stable Lewis structure will have the fewest number of atoms carrying a non-zero formal charge.

For more on the concept of formal charge see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formal_charge
http://web.chem.ucla.edu/~harding/tutorials/formalcharge.pdf
http://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2010/09/24/how-to-calculate-formal-charge/