Question

Write the proper charges so that an alkali metal, a no- ble gas, and a halogen have the same electron con- figurations. What is the number of protons in each? The number of electrons in each?

Answer 1

First recall the noble gas configuration since that is the most stable. Take note on the valence electron. Next, recall that 1 proton carries +1 and i electron carries -1.

Answer 2

I began w/ Ne (10 protons, 10 electrons), but I can't seem to find others with the same electron configurations. Perhaps I'm just not thinking clearly?

Answer 3

an alkali metal like Na (with 11 electrons and 11 protons) would generally lose 1 electron and become +1

Answer 4

a halogen like Cl(with 17 electrons and protons) would generally gain 1 electron to acquire Ar configuration (18 electrons), and become -1

Answer 5

Thank you!

Answer 6

yw

Answer 7

I feel so stupid; I can't believe it was just that simple. I must have been over-thinking it!

Answer 8

You basically have to make them have the same electrons as the noble gas and that is when you use the charge for electron to calculate.