Chemistry question??PLEASE HELP? Element X, whose atoms have an outer-she'll electron configuration ns2np1, is most likely to react chemically to form ...

Question

Element X, whose atoms have an outer-she'll electron configuration ns2np1, is most likely to react chemically to form ions which have a charge of:

-3.     +3.        -2.     +1.        -1.

 

can you please explain how you got the answer? I am confused. I know with the electron configuration that the element has a +3 charge, but that's it.

 

thank you!!!!

Answer 1

Hi Angelica,

 

Yes, you are correct, the charge will be +3.

 

The basic rule for elemental charges is the electron does whatever it needs to in order to have the same outer shell configuration as a Noble Gas. If the element has 3 or fewer valence electrons, it will lose those electrons to form a cation. With 5, 6, or 7 electrons, it will add electrons (to get 8 in the valence shell) to form anions. Atoms with 4 valence electrons aren't happy doing either, but if forced will lose electrons to form cations. Noble Gases already have a full outer shell, so they don't do anything.

 

For any Main Group element, the number of valence electrons is the total number of s and p electrons in the outer energy shell, so in your example the outer shell is energy level "n", and there are two s electrons and one p electron, giving a total of three valence electrons. Once the atom loses these electrons, it is left with the core electrons which have the same configuration as a Noble Gas.

 

Jim Scripko