Questions: What is another name for an unshared pair of electrons in a covalent compound?
Multiple Choice
lone pair of electrons
nonbonded electron pair
bonding pair of electrons
lone pair of electrons or nonbonded electron pair
Transcript text: What is another name for an unshared pair of electrons in a covalent compound?
Multiple Choice
lone pair of electrons
nonbonded electron pair
bonding pair of electrons
lone pair of electrons or nonbonded electron pair
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understand the Concept
In a covalent compound, atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell and form a stable molecule. However, not all electron pairs are shared between atoms. Some pairs of electrons remain localized on a single atom and do not participate in bonding. These are known as unshared pairs of electrons.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Term
The term "unshared pair of electrons" is commonly referred to as a "lone pair of electrons" or a "nonbonded electron pair." Both terms describe the same concept: electrons that are not involved in bonding and remain on a single atom.
Step 3: Evaluate the Options
Lone pair of electrons: This is a correct term for unshared pairs of electrons.
Nonbonded electron pair: This is also a correct term for unshared pairs of electrons.
Bonding pair of electrons: This is incorrect, as it refers to electrons that are shared between atoms in a bond.
Lone pair of electrons or nonbonded electron pair: This option correctly includes both terms that describe unshared pairs of electrons.
Final Answer
\(\boxed{\text{lone pair of electrons or nonbonded electron pair}}\)