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

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
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Solution

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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

\(\boxed{\text{lone pair of electrons or nonbonded electron pair}}\)

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