Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements - Exercises - Page 292: 7.30a

Answer

$Ar$ has the same number of electrons and the same electron configuration as $Cl^-$.

Work Step by Step

$Cl^{-}$ A neutral $Cl$ atom has 17 electrons. Adding 1 electron to become $Cl^{-}$ cation, it now has 18 electrons. The neutral atom that has 18 electrons is $Ar$. The electron configuration of $Cl$ is $[Ne]3s^23p^5$. To become $Cl^-$, 1 electron must be added. The 3p-orbital are now only occupied by 5 electrons, so 1 electron would be willingly added to 3p-orbital so that it would reach the ultimate stability of all spaces filled, which is 6 electrons for a p-orbital. Then, the electron configuration of $Cl^-$ is $[Ne]3s^23p^6$. That is also the electron configuration of $Ar$.
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