Answer to Question #127270 in Chemistry for fath

Question

Element P reacts with element Q to form an ionic compound with formula P2Q3. If the electron configuration for Q is 2.8.6, what is the possible electron arrangement of P? *

A 2.8.2
B 2.8.3
C 2.8.5
D 2.8.6

Answer 1

Considering the electron configuration of Q (2.8.6), one can state that Q is sulphur S. Sulphur is an element of group 16 and has a valence of 2, as it needs two electrons to complete the level 3 octet. As the formula of the compound is P₂Q₃, the valence of P is 3. The compound is ionic, so P is a metal. The electron configurations proposed correspond to the following elements:

2.8.2: Mg,

2.8.3: Al,

2.8.5: P and

2.8.6: S.

Among these elements, only Al fits as a metal with 3 electrons in its valence shell. Therefore, the compound P₂Q₃ is Al₂S₃.

Answer: the possible electron arrangement of P is B 2.8.3.