Chapter 8.4, Problem 64SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The size of an orbital that has a shared electron pair needs to be compared with one that has a lone pair.

Concept introduction:

VSEPR theory stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory. It helps to predict the molecular shape or geometry of the molecule with the help of the number of bond pair or lone pair present in it.

Answer to Problem 64SSC

The size of orbitals with lone pair is larger than orbitals of shared pair of electrons.

Explanation of Solution

The orbitals of lone pair and bond pairs are hybridized orbitals. The lone pairs do not involve in bonding and occupy larger space than the shared pair of electrons or bond pairs.

Thus, the size of orbitals with lone pairs is larger than the bond pair or shared pair electrons.

Conclusion

Due to larger space for lone pair, the orbitals of lone pair are larger than the shared pair of electrons.