Question

question 8 of 10
what is a lone pair?

a. two pairs of electrons that form a double bond
b. a diatomic molecule attracted to no other molecule
c. two atoms that have been pushed close to each other
d. a pair of electrons that is not used in bonding

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: A double bond involves two pairs of electrons shared between atoms (a pi and a sigma bond), but a lone pair is not involved in bonding, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: A diatomic molecule's attraction to others is about intermolecular forces, not related to lone pairs, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Lone pairs are about electrons, not atoms being pushed, so C is incorrect.
• Option D: By definition, a lone pair is a pair of valence electrons that are not involved in forming covalent bonds (i.e., not used in bonding). This matches the definition of a lone pair.

Answer:

D. A pair of electrons that is not used in bonding