How do I find which atoms and ions are isoelectronic to each other?
For example: Oxygen ion

Question

How do I find which atoms and ions are isoelectronic to each other? 
For example: Oxygen ion

anonymous · Answer

If something is isoelectronic to another atom/ion, it contains the same number of electrons.
So an oxygen ion, say $$O ^{2-}$$is isoelectronic with neon--right?  Gains 2 electrons, now has the same number of electrons as neon.

anonymous · Answer

It could also deal with electron configuration but I don't want to delve into that...scares me

anonymous · Answer

i am currently learning about electron configuration, but I can't quite see how to figure it out without listing all the ions and atoms

anonymous · Answer

on my notes, fluorine ion, nitrogen ion and sodium ion are all eisoelectronic with oxygen ion

anonymous · Answer

Is there a short cut for determining all the ions and atoms? How should I visualize it on the periodic table?

anonymous · Answer

Because if you look at a periodic table, you'll see that they're all nearest to the same noble gas.  When they form ions, typically anyway, they'll "want to" have the same number of electrons as the nearest noble gas for greatest stability via a full valence shell.

anonymous · Answer

By using the noble gasses, I guess? ^^

anonymous · Answer

My fave periodic table: http://www.ptable.com/

anonymous · Answer

would magnesium ion be isoelectronic to oxygen ion as well?

anonymous · Answer

No, it wouldn't be.

anonymous · Answer

Magnesium would be isoelectronic to Argon.

anonymous · Answer

How come?

anonymous · Answer

Oops you're right, ^^ I was one row off

anonymous · Answer

my ptable isn't as cool as I thought, lol but it's bomb w/ configurations

anonymous · Answer

The electron configuration for magnesium ion is $$1s^2 2s^2 2p^4 3s^2$$ 
and oxygen ion is $$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6$$

anonymous · Answer

I am so confused... =="

anonymous · Answer

LOL, do you need to do this w/ electron configurations?  You were right to say they're isoelectronic to ea/ other.

anonymous · Answer

I am not sure, so I don't need to compare the 2 electron configuration? I just visualize it with the periodic table?

anonymous · Answer

I'd just use a ptable.  I don't suppose that's being lazy, they're typically provided.  If asked to use configurations, even I would struggle to explain it and I've freshly learned e configs.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you~~

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome~~~ =)