Final answer:
The atom is a meta director if it has lone pairs, and an ortho/para director if it does not have lone pairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the atom directly attached to the aromatic ring has lone pairs, it is known as a meta director. This means that it will direct the incoming substituents to the meta position on the aromatic ring. Lone pairs on the atom increase the electron density, making it more susceptible to attack by electrophiles at the meta position. For example, in nitrobenzene, the nitrogen atom has a lone pair, and it directs the incoming substituents to the meta position.
On the other hand, if the atom directly attached to the aromatic ring does not have lone pairs, it is known as an ortho/para director. This means that it will direct the incoming substituents to the ortho or para positions on the aromatic ring. Without lone pairs, the atom has a lower electron density and is less susceptible to attack by electrophiles at the meta position. For example, in toluene, the methyl group does not have any lone pairs and directs the incoming substituents to the ortho or para positions.