The number of lone pair of electrons on the central atom of `XeF_4` molecule is

Options

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Explanation

To determine the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom of the `XeF_4` molecule, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Central Atom**:
The central atom in the `XeF_4` molecule is xenon (Xe).

**Hint**: Look for the atom that is bonded to multiple other atoms; this is usually the central atom.

2. **Determine the Valence Electrons**:
Xenon is a noble gas and has 8 valence electrons. Each fluorine atom (F) has 7 valence electrons.

**Hint**: Remember that noble gases have a complete octet (8 electrons) in their outer shell.

3. **Count the Electrons Used in Bonding**:
In `XeF_4`, xenon forms four covalent bonds with four fluorine atoms. Each bond involves the sharing of one electron from xenon and one from fluorine. Thus, 4 electrons from xenon are used for bonding.

**Hint**: Each bond between xenon and fluorine involves a pair of shared electrons.

4. **Calculate Remaining Electrons**:
After forming 4 bonds, xenon has used 4 of its 8 valence electrons. Therefore, it has 8 - 4 = 4 electrons remaining.

**Hint**: Subtract the number of electrons used in bonding from the total valence electrons to find the remaining electrons.

5. **Determine Lone Pairs**:
The remaining 4 electrons on xenon can be grouped into 2 lone pairs (since a lone pair consists of 2 electrons).

**Hint**: Divide the remaining electrons by 2 to find the number of lone pairs.

6. **Conclusion**:
Thus, the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom of `XeF_4` is 2.

### Final Answer:
The number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom of `XeF_4` is **2**.

---