Question:
Use Lewis symbols to show electron transfer between the following atoms to form cations and anions : (a) K and S (b) Ca and O (c) Al and N.
Answer:
(a) K and S:
The electronic configurations of K and S are as follows:
K: 2, 8, 8, 1
S: 2, 8, 6
Sulphur (S) requires 2 more electrons to complete its octet. Potassium (K) requires one electron more than the nearest noble gas i.e., Argon. Hence, the electron transfer can be shown as:
(b) Ca and O: The electronic configurations of Ca and O are as follows:
Ca: 2, 8, 8, 2
O: 2, 6
Oxygen requires two electrons more to complete its octet, whereas calcium has two electrons more than the nearest noble gas i.e., Argon. Hence, the electron transfer takes place as:
(c) Al and N: The electronic configurations of Al and N are as follows:
Al: 2, 8, 3
N: 2, 5
Nitrogen is three electrons short of the nearest noble gas (Neon), whereas aluminium has three electrons more than Neon. Hence, the electron transference can be shown as:
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