Atoms form ions so as to achieve electron configurations similar to those of the noble gases. For the following pairs of noble gas configurations, give the formulas of two simple ionic compounds that would have comparable electron configurations.

msp;  a .   [ He ]  and  [ Ne ]                                   c .   [ He ]  and  [ Ar ] b .   [ Ne ]  and  [ Ne ]                                   d .   [ Ne ]  and  [ Ar ]

(a)

Interpretation:

For the given pair of noble gas configurations, the formula of two simple ionic compounds that would have comparable electron configuration is to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

The distribution of the electrons that exists in the atomic orbital of an atom is collectively known as electron configuration. The description of every electron in an orbital is given by the electron configuration of that atom.

Atoms lose or gain electrons to become stable by attaining nearest noble gas configuration. While doing so, they are converted to their respective ions. The positive ion and the negative ion combine to form their corresponding salt.

The given noble gas configurations are He and Ne.

Ionic compound 1:

An ionic compound consists of both cations and anions.

The electron configuration of He with atomic number, Z=2 is 1s2. Consider hydrogen with atomic number, Z=1 has an electron configuration of 1s1 and if it gains 1 electron, it will achieve the configuration of helium. Hence, the anion is H−.

The electron configuration of Ne with atomic number, Z=10 is 1s22s22p6. Consider sodium with atomic number, Z=11 has an electron configuration of 1s22s22p63s1 and if it loses 1 electron, it will achieve the configuration of neon. Hence, the cation is Na+.

The ionic compound that has comparable electron configuration of the given pair of noble gas configurations is NaH

(b)

Interpretation:

For the given pair of noble gas configurations, the formula of two simple ionic compounds that would have comparable electron configuration is to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

The distribution of the electrons that exists in the atomic orbital of an atom is collectively known as electron configuration. The description of every electron in an orbital is given by the electron configuration of that atom.

Atoms lose or gain electrons to become stable by attaining nearest noble gas configuration. While doing so, they are converted to their respective ions. The positive ion and the negative ion combine to form their corresponding salt.

(c)

Interpretation:

For the given pair of noble gas configurations, the formula of two simple ionic compounds that would have comparable electron configuration is to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

The distribution of the electrons that exists in the atomic orbital of an atom is collectively known as electron configuration. The description of every electron in an orbital is given by the electron configuration of that atom.

Atoms lose or gain electrons to become stable by attaining nearest noble gas configuration. While doing so, they are converted to their respective ions. The positive ion and the negative ion combine to form their corresponding salt.

(d)

Interpretation:

For the given pair of noble gas configurations, the formula of two simple ionic compounds that would have comparable electron configuration is to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

The distribution of the electrons that exists in the atomic orbital of an atom is collectively known as electron configuration. The description of every electron in an orbital is given by the electron configuration of that atom.

Atoms lose or gain electrons to become stable by attaining nearest noble gas configuration. While doing so, they are converted to their respective ions. The positive ion and the negative ion combine to form their corresponding salt.