Select the statement that best differentiates between bonding and nonbonding electrons.
A) There are always more bonding electrons than lone pairs in a molecule.
B) Nonbonding electrons are less chemically important than bonding electrons.
C) Nonbonding electrons do not count toward an atom's octet of electrons.
D) Bonding electrons are shared and nonbonding electrons are not shared.
E) The more nonbonding electrons that an atom has, the more unstable the atom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bonding electrons are shared between atoms, resulting in the formation of chemical bonds. Nonbonding electrons, also known as lone pair electrons, are not involved in bonding and are located mostly on one atom. Therefore, the statement "Bonding electrons are shared and nonbonding electrons are not shared" best differentiates between bonding and nonbonding electrons.

Select the Statement That Best Differentiates Between Bonding and Nonbonding