Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lone Pair of Electrons
A lone pair of electrons refers to a pair of valence electrons that are not shared with another atom. These electrons are localized on a single atom and play a crucial role in determining the geometry and reactivity of molecules. For example, in water (H2O), the oxygen atom has two lone pairs that influence its bent shape.
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Shared Pair of Electrons
A shared pair of electrons, also known as a bonding pair, occurs when two atoms share a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond. This sharing allows each atom to attain a more stable electron configuration, often resembling that of noble gases. For instance, in a hydrogen molecule (H2), each hydrogen atom shares one electron, resulting in a stable bond.
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Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. This interaction typically occurs between nonmetals and is fundamental to the structure of many organic and inorganic compounds. The strength and number of shared pairs can affect the properties of the resulting molecule, such as its shape and reactivity.
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