In Lewis structures depicting covalent bonds, what do the arrows typically represent?

• A. The direction of atomic nuclei movement
• B. The movement of electrons from one atom to another
• C. The sharing of neutrons between atoms
• D. The flow of protons between atoms

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist.
2. Recognize that in Lewis structures, arrows are used to show the movement or transfer of electrons, not the movement of atomic nuclei, neutrons, or protons.
3. Specifically, arrows indicate the movement of electron pairs during bond formation or during reaction mechanisms, such as when electrons move from a lone pair on one atom to form a bond with another atom.
4. Recall that covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, and arrows help visualize how these electrons are shared or transferred.
5. Therefore, the arrows in Lewis structures typically represent the movement of electrons from one atom to another.