Question
What is the number of bond pair of electrons and lone pair of electrons present in the valence shell of chalcogens in their hydride ?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
2026
MHT CET 2026 (19 April Shift 2)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. 2 - Bond pair and 1- lone pair of electrons
- B. 2 - Bond pair and 2- lone pair of electrons
- C. 3 - Bond pair and 1- lone pair of electrons
- D. 3 - Bond pair and 2- lone pair of electrons
Answer
B. 2 - Bond pair and 2- lone pair of electrons
Step-by-step solution
Chalcogens belong to Group 16 of the periodic table and have 6 valence electrons (ns^2 np^4). The general formula for the hydrides of chalcogens is H_2E (where E = O, S, Se, Te, Po). In the formation of H_2E, the chalcogen atom shares two of its valence electrons with two hydrogen atoms to form two single covalent bonds. This results in 2 bond pairs of electrons. The remaining 4 valence electrons on the chalcogen atom do not participate in bonding and exist as 2 lone pairs of electrons. Thus, the valence shell of a chalcogen in its hydride contains 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs of electrons.
Related: Chemistry — Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure · All PYQ Banks