Two elements, M and N

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties

Problem

Two elements, M and N, each show one prominent valence-electron peak in their PES spectra. • For element M, the valence peak accounts for 1 electron and appears at 0.50 MJ mol⁻¹. • For element N, the valence peak accounts for 5 electrons and appears at 1.0 MJ mol⁻¹. Which of the following statements about their likely chemical behavior is most consistent with these data? (a) M readily gains one electron to form

\mathrm{M}^-

, whereas N tends to lose five electrons to form

\mathrm{N}^{5+}

. (b) Both M and N form

+1

ions because their valence electrons are readily removed at energies below

2\,\text{MJ\,mol}^{-1}

. (c) M readily gains seven electrons to form

\mathrm{M}^{7-}

, whereas N tends to gain three electrons to form

\mathrm{N}^{3-}

. (d) M readily loses one electron to form

\mathrm{M}^+

, whereas N tends to gain three electrons to form

\mathrm{N}^{3-}

Related theory

Browse the problem library