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 - Additional Exercises - Page 295: 7.94b

Answer

$O^{3-}$ does not exist because it would not be stable.

Work Step by Step

When $O^{2-}$ is created all the orbitals in shell 2 are filled. If another electron is added it would have to exist in a new shell layer. Shell 3 is further from the nucleus and is shielded from the nuclear charge by the electrons in Shells 1 and 2. The weaker nuclear attraction for this 11th electron is not strong enough to overcome the electron repulsion, so a stable $O^{3-}$ particle cannot be formed.
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