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QuestionChemistry

"What charge is most commonly observed for a nickel ion? A. + 1 B. + 2 C. - 1 D. - 2"
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Answer

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Step 1:
: Understand the problem

The problem asks for the most commonly observed charge for a nickel ion. Nickel is an element with atomic number 28, which means it has 28 protons in its nucleus. In order to form a stable ion, an atom tends to lose or gain electrons equal to the difference between its atomic number and its group number in the periodic table.

Step 2:
: Determine the group number of nickel

Nickel is located in group 10 of the periodic table.

Step 3:
: Calculate the number of electrons to be gained or lost

To reach group 10, a nickel atom must lose or gain electrons such that the difference between its atomic number (28) and its group number (10) is equal to the charge of the ion. This difference is 28 - 10 = 18.

Step 4:
: Determine the charge of the nickel ion

Since nickel is more likely to lose electrons than gain them, a nickel ion will have a positive charge. The charge is equal to the number of electrons lost, which is 18 in this case. However, it is important to note that metals usually lose their valence electrons first, and the valence electrons for nickel (in its 4s and 3d orbitals) are 10 electrons. Therefore, a nickel ion will lose 10 electrons and have a + 2 charge.

Final Answer

The most commonly observed charge for a nickel ion is + 2 (option B).