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QuestionChemistry

"Which elements have atoms that are likely to form an anion? Select all that apply. phosphorus (P) chlorine (Cl) magnesium (Mg) selenium (Se)"
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Answer

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Step 1:
Let's solve this step by step by analyzing the characteristics that make an element likely to form an anion.

Step 2:
: Understanding Anion Formation

An anion is a negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons. Elements likely to form anions are typically: - Located on the right side of the periodic table - Close to the noble gas configuration - Have a high electronegativity - Need few electrons to complete their outer shell

Step 3:
: Electron Configuration Analysis

- Selenium (Se): $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{10} 4p^{4}
Let's examine the electron configurations of each element:

Step 4:
: Identifying Potential Anion Formers

- Phosphorus: Needs 3 electrons to reach noble gas configuration ✓ - Chlorine: Needs 1 electron to reach noble gas configuration ✓ - Magnesium: Would need to lose 2 electrons, making it a cation ✗ - Selenium: Needs 2 electrons to reach noble gas configuration ✓

Final Answer

Phosphorus (P), Chlorine (Cl), and Selenium (Se) are likely to form anions.