CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties
Problem
Four ions—K+, Ca2+, S2−, and Cl−—are produced during the electrolysis of molten salts that initially contain KCl, CaCl2, and Na2S. All four ions are isoelectronic with the noble-gas configuration of argon.
(a) For each ion, write the complete electron configuration using bracket notation beginning with [Ne].
(b) Arrange the four ions in order of increasing ionic radius (smallest to largest).
(c) Justify the order you selected in part (b) by discussing the relative magnitudes of effective nuclear charge and electron–electron repulsion for the ions.
(d) Predict which of the ions would require the greatest amount of energy to remove an outer-shell electron, and explain your answer in terms of both electron configuration and Coulombic considerations.