Final answer:
Nonbonding electron pairs are located on a specific atom and do not participate in bond formation. Bonding electron pairs are located between two atoms and are involved in covalent bond formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonbonding electron pairs, also known as lone pairs, are electron pairs that are not involved in a covalent bond.
They are located in the valence shell of an atom and are also known as unshared pairs or nonbonding electron pairs. These electron pairs are important in determining the shape and polarity of a molecule.
Bonding electron pairs, on the other hand, are involved in the formation of covalent bonds between atoms.
These electron pairs are shared between atoms and are important in holding the atoms together in a molecule.
The physical differences between nonbonding and bonding electron pairs lie in their location and role within a molecule.
Nonbonding electron pairs are localized on a specific atom and do not participate in bond formation or bonding interactions with other atoms.
On the other hand, bonding electron pairs are located between two atoms and are responsible for the formation of covalent bonds. They contribute to the overall stability of the molecule.