Question

The atomic orbitals of two iodine atoms combine to form the diatomic I2 molecule. Use the periodic table to determine the atomic orbitals that overlap to form the I2 molecule and the symbol of the noble gas that has the same electron configuration as the electron configuration of each bonded iodine atom.
For example, the 2p atomic orbitals of fluorine atoms overlap to form the F2 molecule. The noble gas that has the same electron configuration as that of each bonded fluorine atom is Ne. To enter the atomic orbitals that overlap and the corresponding noble gas, you would enter 2p,Ne.

Enter the symbol for the orbitals that overlap and the chemical symbol of the noble gas separated by a comma. For example, for H2 enter 1s, He.

Answer 1

well, following the previous example, Fluorine is in the 2p subshell; what subshell is Iodine in?

Answer 2

5p

Answer 3

good

then for the noble gas configuration we just go up to the nearest noble gas, which is Xe

Answer 4

following their format: 5p, Xe

Answer 5

oh okay so [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p5

Answer 6

oh so just 5p, Xe

Answer 7

well, yeah, it's not asking for the configuration tho just the element symbol

Answer 8

good guess but should be 8 - the number of valence electrons

Answer 9

there's no 8 only 1-4

Answer 10

"8 - the number of valence electrons"

the compound has five valence electrons

8 - 5 = 3

Answer 11

A

Answer 12

hm, not quite, molecular orbitals can also be involved

any other ideas?

Answer 13

b

Answer 14

ugh i dont want to guess :S

Answer 15

D =)

Answer 16

B would be correct

C is incorrect (MO orbitals can be involved)
D is incorrect (bond can also form between 1 unoccupied + 1 occupied orbital)