Pauling's resonance theory

Pauling's resonance theory suggests that certain molecules or ions don’t have a single, fixed structure but instead exist as a hybrid of multiple possible arrangements called "resonance structures." These structures are different ways of drawing the same molecule, showing electrons in various positions. The true form of the molecule is an average of these structures, resulting in a stable configuration that can't be perfectly described by any single structure alone. This concept helps explain the stability and properties of molecules like benzene and ozone, giving a more accurate picture of their internal electron distribution.