Answer to Question #263996 in General Chemistry for 23456

Question

The proton number of elements J and K are 13 and 16 respectively. Suggest the most

stable ions for J and K. State the type of stability of these two ions.

Answer 1

Number of protons is equal to number of electrons

The electron configuration of K is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴

The Valence shell (the 3s and 3p sublevel) contain 6 electrons but it needs eight to become stable (Octet rule)

Therefore K will gain two electrons with a charge of 2^-

The stable ion of K is K^2-

The electron configuration of J is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹

To be stable it loses 3 electrons

The stable ion of J is J³⁺

But the ions are electrically unstable

Such that they are quick to form chemical bonds