QQuestionChemistry
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.
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