Which of the following are isoelectronic species i.e., those having the same number of electrons?
Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, S2–, Ar
Isoelectronic species have the same number of electrons.
Number of electrons in sodium (Na) = 11
Number of electrons in (Na+) = 10
A positive charge denotes the loss of an electron.
Similarly,
Number of electrons in K+ = 18
Number of electrons in Mg2+ = 10
Number of electrons in Ca2+ = 18
A negative charge denotes the gain of an electron by a species.
Number of electrons in sulphur (S) = 16
∴ Number of electrons in S2- = 18
Number of electrons in argon (Ar) = 18
Hence, the following are isoelectronic species:
1) Na+ and Mg2+ (10 electrons each)
2) K+, Ca2+, S2– and Ar (18 electrons each)