Final answer:
The lone pair resides in the p orbital, thus the correct option is B.
Explanation:
In order to determine in which orbital the lone pair resides, we need to first understand the concept of orbitals. Orbitals are regions in an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron. There are different types of orbitals, labeled as s, p, d, and f, which correspond to different shapes and energy levels.
In this question, we are specifically asked about the lone pair, which refers to a pair of valence electrons that are not involved in bonding with other atoms. In order to determine the orbital in which the lone pair resides, we need to look at the electronic configuration of the atom.
For example, let's consider the case of nitrogen (N), which has an atomic number of 7. The electronic configuration of nitrogen is 1s²2s²2p³. This means that there are two electrons in the 1s orbital, two in the 2s orbital, and three in the 2p orbital.
Out of these three orbitals, the p orbital has the highest energy level. This is because the p orbital has a larger principal quantum number (n) than the s orbital. The principal quantum number determines the energy level of an orbital, with higher values indicating higher energy levels.
Since the lone pair is not involved in bonding, it has a higher energy and therefore resides in the higher energy p orbital. This is also supported by the fact that the lone pair is located in the outermost shell of the atom, which is typically where the p orbital is found.
In summary, the lone pair in an atom resides in the p orbital. This is because the p orbital has a higher energy level than the other orbitals and the lone pair is not involved in bonding. Therefore, we can conclude that option B, p orbital, is the correct answer to the given question.