How does electron configuration of ions derived from representative elements give them stability?
The outside shell has the next lower noble gas structure.
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The electron configuration of ions derived from representative elements plays a significant role in providing stability to these ions. To understand this, let's break it down step by step:
1. Representative Elements: Representative elements are the elements found in the s and p blocks of the periodic table (Group 1 to Group 18). These elements have valence electrons in their outermost energy level.
2. Ion Formation: Representative elements tend to gain or lose valence electrons to obtain a stable electron configuration. By gaining or losing electrons, they can achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, which is highly stable. Noble gases have completely filled electron shells, making them chemically inert.
3. Gaining Electrons: Representative elements on the left side of the periodic table (Groups 1, 2, and 13) tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to the nearest noble gas. This forms positively charged ions known as cations. For example, sodium (Na) has one valence electron and can lose it to become Na+ ion, achieving the stable electron configuration of neon (Ne).
4. Losing Electrons: Representative elements on the right side of the periodic table (Groups 15, 16, 17) tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to the nearest noble gas. This forms negatively charged ions known as anions. For example, chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons and can gain one electron to become Cl- ion, achieving the stable electron configuration of argon (Ar).
5. Stability: By gaining or losing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, representative elements form ions that have a completely filled outermost energy level or lose their outermost energy level entirely. This stability occurs because the filled or empty energy levels minimize electron repulsion and increase the overall stability of the ion.
In summary, the electron configuration of ions derived from representative elements gives them stability by either completely filling or emptying their outermost energy level, which mimics the stable electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.