Chapter 6: Problem 2

Describe the difference between a shared pair and an unshared pair of electrons.

Short Answer

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Shared pairs of electrons, also called bonding pairs, are the pairs of electrons that are shared between two atoms in a chemical bond, each atom contributes one electron to form this pair. Unshared pairs of electrons or lone pairs are not involved in bonding and belong entirely to one atom, thus reside in one atom only.

Step by step solution

Define Electron Pairs

Electronic pairs refer to two electrons occupying the same orbital in an atom. These pairs of electrons may exist in an atom independently, or they can also be part of a chemical bond with another atom. Here differentiates a shared pair and an unshared pair of electrons.

Explain a Shared Pair of Electrons

Shared pairs of electrons, often referred to as bonding pairs, are the pairs of electrons that are shared between two atoms, and thus, participate in bond formation. They create covalent bonds, which means both atoms in the bond contribute one electron to form a pair.

Explain an Unshared Pair of Electrons

An unshared pair of electrons, otherwise known as lone pairs, nonbonding pairs, or lone pairs, are two electrons that reside on one atom only. These pairs of electrons do not participate in bond formation and belong entirely to one atom.

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Describe the difference between a shared pair and an unshared pair of electrons.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Electron Pairs

Explain a Shared Pair of Electrons

Explain an Unshared Pair of Electrons

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