Chapter 12.3, Problem 2RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference between a bonding pair and a lone pair of electrons is to be written.

Concept introduction:

Electrons are the subatomic particles which are used in bonding of atoms.

During bond formation in covalent bonding, some electrons are shared and some remains unshared.

Explanation of Solution

In a covalent bond, the electron pair which is shared between the two atoms is bonding pair of electrons and the pair of electrons left unshared on atom is called as lone pair of electrons.

Let’s study the difference using example:

Lewis dot structure of $H-Cl$ is:

  

It shows one electron pair is shared between both atoms. That pair of electrons is bonding pair of electrons.

There are three electron pairs present on chlorine which are not involved in bond formation are lone pairs of electrons.

Conclusion

Thus, pair of electrons involved in bond formation are bonding and which are not involved in bond formation are lone pairs of electrons.