In a Lewis dot structure the electrons which complete an octet but are not located between two atoms are referred to as
A)bonding pairs.
B)delta minus electrons.
C)excess electrons.
D)filled shells.
E)lone pairs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrons which complete an octet but are not located between two atoms are referred to as "lone pairs." Choice A, "bonding pairs," refers to electrons that are shared by two atoms to form a covalent bond. Choice B, "delta minus electrons," is not a term commonly used in Lewis dot structures. Choice C, "excess electrons," is imprecise and does not differentiate between lone pairs and other types of electrons. Choice D, "filled shells," could describe both lone pairs and bonding pairs.

In a Lewis Dot Structure the Electrons Which Complete an Octet