Question

Which Lewis structure has the largest total number of lone pairs of electrons?

Answer 1

Lewis structure of nitrogen (N) with 2 lone pairs of electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider nitrogen (N) as an example. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. In a Lewis structure, it can form 3 bonds, leaving 2 lone pairs of electrons.

Phosphorus (P) has 5 valence electrons, similar to nitrogen. However, it can form up to 5 bonds, leaving no lone pairs of electrons.

Lastly, arsenic (As) has 5 valence electrons as well. It can form 3 bonds, leaving 2 lone pairs of electrons, similar to nitrogen.