Question

The number of electron pairs shared by the two atoms which are bonded by a double bond is___.

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B

2

Let's take the case of oxygen, we see the formation of a double bond between two oxygen atoms. This is because an atom of oxygen has six electrons in its L shell (the atomic number of oxygen is eight) and it requires two more electrons to complete its octet. So each atom of oxygen shares two electrons with another atom of oxygen. The two electrons contributed by each oxygen atom give rise to two shared pairs of electrons. This is said to constitute a double bond between the two atoms.