Answer: Lone pairs are only on one nucleus and spread more (more repulsion).
- A Lone pairs are only on one nucleus and spread more (more repulsion)
- B Lone pairs simply contain a greater number of electrons overall
- C Lone pairs are confined entirely within spherical s orbitals
- D Lone pairs sit physically closer to the central nucleus
Correct answer: A. Lone pairs are only on one nucleus and spread more (more repulsion)
Explanation: Lone pairs are attracted to only one nucleus and occupy more angular space than bonding pairs shared between two nuclei.
VSEPR theory predicts molecular shape from the number of bonding and lone electron pairs around the central atom.
Concept context
Understand how atoms join to form molecules. Covers ionic and covalent bonding, VSEPR theory, hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), molecular orbital theory, bond polarity, and intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
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