Which element has an equal number of electron pairs and of unpaired electrons within
orbitals of principal quantum number 2?
A. beryllium
B. carbon
C. nitrogen
D. Oxygen

Someone explains why the answer is D ? ;S

Question

Which element has an equal number of electron pairs and of unpaired electrons within
orbitals of principal quantum number 2?
A. beryllium
B. carbon
C. nitrogen
D. Oxygen


Someone explains why the answer is D ? ;S

joannablackwelder · Answer

Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, so it has 2 pairs and 2 unpaired electrons.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Be has 2 valence electrons, so it would not have any pairs and 2 unpaired electrons.

joannablackwelder · Answer

C has 4 valence electrons, so it would have no pairs and 4 unpaired electrons. Making sense?

joannablackwelder · Answer

Drawing the Lewis structure is helpful to visualize. Remember that 1 pair is comprised of 2 electrons. :)

anonymous · Answer

Thanks alot ! appretiated :)

joannablackwelder · Answer

Glad I could help. :)