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Question

Elements X,Y,Z have atomic numbers 6,9 and 12 respectively.

Which one form cations-positive ions.


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Solution

  • Let us first write the electronic configuration of elements X, Y, and Z.
  • The electronic configuration of an element describes how electrons are distributed in its atomic orbitals.
  • The electrons are filled in the increasing number of shells viz. K,L,M,N,etc.
  • Number of electrons in a shell is given by 2n2 where n is the number of shells.
  • Putting n=1,2,3 and 4, we get the number of electrons 2,8,18,32 that can be filled in each shell respectively.

Element X-

  • The atomic number of Element X is 6.
  • 2 electrons will fill the first shell i.e., the K shell.
  • 4 electrons will fill the second shell i.e., the L shell.
  • Hence, its configuration will be 2,4.

Element Y-

  • The atomic number of Element Y is 9.
  • 2 electrons will fill the first shell i.e., the K shell.
  • 7 electrons will fill the second shell i.e., the L shell.
  • Hence, its configuration will be 2,7.

Element Z-

  • The atomic number of Element Y is 12.
  • 2 electrons will fill the first shell i.e., the K shell.
  • 8 electrons will fill the second shell i.e., the L shell.
  • 2 electrons will enter the third shell i.e., the M shell.
  • Hence, its configuration will be 2,8,2.

Identification-

  • Elements that have 1,2 or 3 electrons in their outermost shell lose electrons to form positive ions i.e., cation and are metals.
  • Elements that have 5,6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell gain electrons to form negative ions i.e., anions, and are non-metals.
  • Here, element Z has 2 electrons in its outermost shell.
  • It will lose 2 electrons to get 8 electrons in its outermost shell acquiring a positive charge.

Hence, element Z will form a cation-positive ion.


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