Which atom is most likely to form a 2+ ion? Zn, Al, S, Na, N, cannot be determined
Look at the periodic table. Zn is in group 12 (or II), Al in 13 (or III), S in 16 (or VI), Na in 1(or I), N in at(or V). For numbers <10, I, II, III, etc. that's the possible valence. For numbers >10, it's the second number (12, 13, etc). So your answer is >>>>>>.
To determine which atom is most likely to form a 2+ ion, we need to look at their electron configurations and the tendency of atoms to gain or lose electrons.
Atoms form ions by either gaining or losing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. When an atom loses electrons, it forms a positive ion (cation), while gaining electrons results in a negative ion (anion).
Now let's look at the given elements:
1. Zn (Zinc): The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar] 3d10 4s2. To form a 2+ ion, zinc would need to lose its two 4s electrons. This is possible, so zinc can form a 2+ ion.
2. Al (Aluminum): The electron configuration of aluminum is [Ne] 3s2 3p1. Aluminum can lose its three valence electrons to form a 3+ ion, but it is less likely to form a 2+ ion.
3. S (Sulfur): The electron configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s2 3p4. Sulfur would need to gain six electrons to achieve a stable configuration, so it is more likely to form a 2- ion rather than a 2+ ion.
4. Na (Sodium): The electron configuration of sodium is [Ne] 3s1. Sodium can easily lose its single valence electron to form a 1+ ion, but it is not likely to form a 2+ ion.
5. N (Nitrogen): The electron configuration of nitrogen is [He] 2s2 2p3. Nitrogen would need to gain three electrons to achieve a stable configuration, so it is less likely to form a 2+ ion.
From the given options, we can conclude that Zn (Zinc) is the atom most likely to form a 2+ ion.