Question

Why does a lone pair of electrons occupy more space around a central atom than a bonding pair of electrons?

Answer 1

Answer:

The lone pair of electrons occupy more space because the electrostatic force becomes weaker.

Explanation:

When there is a bond pair of electrons in the 2 positively charged the atomic nuclei draw the electron density towards them, thereby reducing the bond diameter.

In the case of the lone pair, only 1 nucleus is present, and the enticing electrostatic force becomes weaker and the intensity of the electrons will be increases. Therefore, the lone pair occupies more space than the pair of bonds.