Which of the following electron configurations belongs to an atom that is most likely to be involved in a
covalent bond?
a. 1s22s22p63s2
b. 1s22s22p6
c. 1s22s22p63s23p3
d. 1s22s22p63s23p6
1s22s22p63s23p3
The atom that is most likely to be involved in a covalent bond is the one that is close to achieving a stable electron configuration by sharing electrons. This is usually achieved by completing the outermost energy level.
Looking at the options given:
a. 1s22s22p63s2 - This electron configuration has 2 electrons in the outermost energy level, so it is not close to a stable electron configuration.
b. 1s22s22p6 - This electron configuration has a completely filled outermost energy level, so it is already stable and less likely to form a covalent bond.
c. 1s22s22p63s23p3 - This electron configuration has 5 electrons in the outermost energy level, which is close to achieving stability. This atom is more likely to be involved in a covalent bond.
d. 1s22s22p63s23p6 - This electron configuration has a completely filled outermost energy level, so it is already stable and less likely to form a covalent bond.
Therefore, the correct answer is option c. 1s22s22p63s23p3.
To determine which electron configuration belongs to an atom that is most likely to be involved in a covalent bond, we need to consider the tendency of atoms to gain, lose, or share electrons.
Atoms generally tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically having a full valence shell.
In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons to achieve a full valence shell. Therefore, the atom with an incomplete valence shell is more likely to engage in a covalent bond.
Let's analyze the given electron configurations:
a. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²: This atom has a complete valence shell, as both the 3s and 2p orbitals are filled. It is less likely to engage in a covalent bond.
b. 1s²2s²2p⁶: This atom has a completely filled valence shell (2s²2p⁶), making it less likely to engage in a covalent bond.
c. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p³: This atom has an incomplete valence shell, as there are three electrons in the 3p orbital. It is more likely to participate in a covalent bond.
d. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶: This atom has a completely filled valence shell (2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶), making it less likely to engage in a covalent bond.
Therefore, the electron configuration that belongs to an atom most likely to be involved in a covalent bond is option c: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p³.