The Lewis structure of shows that the central phosphorus atom has __________ nonbonding and __________ bonding electron pairs.
Is the answer 1, 3
Is it 1 because it asked for PAIRS- so there are two electrons not bonded- so one pair?
See your posts above. All have the same problem which prohibits an answer.
To determine the number of nonbonding and bonding electron pairs in the Lewis structure of a molecule, like in this case, you need to follow a few steps:
1. First, determine the total number of valence electrons for the molecule. For the given molecule (which is not specified in your question), refer to the periodic table to find the number of valence electrons for each atom. Add up the valence electrons from all atoms present in the molecule.
2. Next, identify the central atom in the molecule by looking for the atom that is the least electronegative or has the lowest valence shell.
3. Once you have identified the central atom, determine the number of bonding pairs by counting the number of bonds that exist between the central atom and the surrounding atoms.
4. Finally, calculate the number of nonbonding pairs by subtracting the number of bonding pairs from the total number of electron pairs surrounding the central atom.
With that said, in order to answer your specific question, it is necessary to know the molecule in question. The Lewis structure and the number of nonbonding and bonding electron pairs vary depending on the molecule. Please provide the molecule so that I can assist you further.