Why do different elements have different charges?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of electron configurations and how elements aim to have the lowest energy state. The term "happy" is used to describe this state, though it is not scientifically accurate. Similar elements can have different charges due to limitations in quantum chemistry. Oxygen and phosphorus are in the same group, and the confusion between sulfur and phosphorus is mentioned. The idea of "happiness" in terms of energy is further explained, with an example of chlorine and sodium. The question of how this works, in terms of energy and particles, is also raised.
  • #1
Fifty
35
0
Since I was first introduced to chemistry, it's been because "it has two more than eight, and it wants eight to be "happy" so it loses two electrons and gains a positive two charge."

It's good enough for me to write on tests, but 'happy' isn't exactly a scientifically accurate term.
And why can similar elements have different charges? For example, why can oxygen be 2 and 1, but phosphorus (same group) can be +/- 3, 5 and -2?
 
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  • #2
Short answer: the answer lies in limits quantum chemistry puts on electron configurations.
 
  • #3
Since when are oxygen and phosphorus in the same group?
 
  • #4
Hi Fifty! :smile:
Fifty said:
… 'happy' isn't exactly a scientifically accurate term.

'happy' means 'with lower energy' …

any system naturally prefers the configuration with the lowest energy

if chlorine can grab an electron from sodium, then the chlorine-sodium pair has lower energy, and is 'happier' o:)
 
  • #5
DrDu said:
Since when are oxygen and phosphorus in the same group?
Sorry, for some inexplicable reason I always get Sulphur and Phosphorus confused.
 
  • #6
tiny-tim said:
Hi Fifty! :smile:


'happy' means 'with lower energy' …

any system naturally prefers the configuration with the lowest energy

if chlorine can grab an electron from sodium, then the chlorine-sodium pair has lower energy, and is 'happier' o:)

How, exactly does this work? There is still the same amount of particles (and matter) so why should the Sodium Chloride particle have less energy than one Sodium atom and one Chlorine atom?
 

1. Why do different elements have different charges?

Different elements have different charges because of the number of protons and electrons they have. The number of protons determines the element's atomic number and the number of electrons determines its charge. Elements with more protons than electrons have a positive charge, while elements with more electrons than protons have a negative charge. This is due to the fundamental principle of atoms seeking to achieve a stable electron configuration.

2. How do elements obtain their charges?

Elements obtain their charges through the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms. This process is known as bonding. In ionic bonding, atoms transfer electrons to achieve full outer shells, resulting in positive and negative ions. In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

3. Why do some elements have multiple charges?

Some elements can have multiple charges because they can lose or gain different numbers of electrons. This is due to the number of valence electrons the element has. Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom's electron shell and are responsible for an element's chemical properties. Elements with multiple charges typically have more than one stable electron configuration, allowing them to form different types of bonds and have different charges.

4. Can elements have a charge of zero?

Yes, elements can have a charge of zero. This occurs when an element has an equal number of protons and electrons. In this case, the element is considered to be in its neutral state. Most elements in their pure form are neutral, but some can exist in different states with varying charges, such as oxygen, which can have a charge of -2 or 0.

5. How do the charges of elements affect their chemical behavior?

The charges of elements greatly influence their chemical behavior. Elements with a positive charge tend to be more reactive, as they seek to gain electrons and achieve a stable configuration. On the other hand, elements with a negative charge tend to be less reactive, as they have extra electrons and are more stable. This is why elements with similar charges tend to have similar chemical properties and behaviors.

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