How is the number of unpaired valence electrons in an atom related to the number of bonds that the atom can form?
A)There is no defined relationship between the number of unpaired valence electrons and number of bonds that the atom can form.
B)The number of unpaired valence electrons in an atom is one-half the number of bonds that the atom can form.
C)The number of unpaired valence electrons in an atom is twice the number of bonds that the atom can form.
D)The number of unpaired valence electrons in an atom is the same as the number of bonds that the atom can form.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of unpaired valence electrons in an atom determines the number of bonds that the atom can form. Specifically, each unpaired valence electron can potentially form one bond, so the number of unpaired electrons is equal to the maximum number of bonds that the atom can form. Therefore, the best choice is D, which states that the number of unpaired valence electrons in an atom is the same as the number of bonds that the atom can form.

How Is the Number of Unpaired Valence Electrons in an Atom