Electron configuration for ions

In summary, to write the configuration for ions, you need to add or subtract electrons depending on the charge of the ion. For example, if the ion has a negative charge, you add one electron to the electron configuration, and if it has a positive charge, you subtract one electron. This is demonstrated with the examples of Na and Cl. When dealing with transition metals, such as Ti, you need to be careful as the d orbitals are written after the s orbitals, but the 4s orbitals are still of higher energy. So, when dealing with a positive ion, you remove electrons from the s orbitals first before the d orbitals.
  • #1
bennington
25
0
How would I write the configuration for ions? Would I alter the last subshell (e.g. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10: I change 3d10) or the shell with the n and l (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10: I change 4s2)? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
If your ion has a negative charge, add one electron to the electron configuration. If your ion is positive, subtract one electron.

For example, take Na. The electron configuration for the atom is [Ne] 3s1. If you have Na- it becomes [Ne] 3s2 & Na+, just [Ne].
Another example, suppose you have Cl, the electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2 3p5. Cl- is [Ar] & Cl+ is [Ne] 3s2 3p4. Notice how you add & subtract from the orbital with the highest energy

You have to be careful with the transition metals. Take for example Ti, its electron configuration is [Ar] 4s2 3d2. Ti- is [Ar] 4s2 3d3. But here is where it "can" be tricky. Ti+ is [Ar] 4s1 3d2. The d orbitals are written after the s, but the 4s orbitals are still of higher energy. So you remove from them first, before the d orbitals.
 
  • #3
kuahji said:
If your ion has a negative charge, add one electron to the electron configuration. If your ion is positive, subtract one electron.

For example, take Na. The electron configuration for the atom is [Ne] 3s1. If you have Na- it becomes [Ne] 3s2 & Na+, just [Ne].
Another example, suppose you have Cl, the electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2 3p5. Cl- is [Ar] & Cl+ is [Ne] 3s2 3p4. Notice how you add & subtract from the orbital with the highest energy

You have to be careful with the transition metals. Take for example [B]Ti, its electron configuration is [Ar] 4s2 3d2. Ti- is [Ar] 4s2 3d3. But here is where it "can" be tricky. Ti+ is [Ar] 4s1 3d2. [/B] The d orbitals are written after the s, but the 4s orbitals are still of higher energy. So you remove from them first, before the d orbitals.

This tricky was on our test last week and...I totally lost lol.
 

1. What is the difference between electron configuration for neutral atoms and ions?

The electron configuration for neutral atoms is based on the number of electrons in the atom's neutral state. For ions, the electron configuration is based on the number of electrons gained or lost in the ion formation. This results in a different arrangement of electrons in the ion compared to the neutral atom.

2. How do you determine the electron configuration for an ion?

To determine the electron configuration for an ion, you first need to know the number of electrons gained or lost by the ion. Then, you can use the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle to fill in the energy levels and sublevels with the appropriate number of electrons.

3. Can the electron configuration of an ion be different from the electron configuration of its parent atom?

Yes, the electron configuration of an ion can be different from the electron configuration of its parent atom. This is because ions have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a different number of electrons in the ion compared to the neutral atom.

4. How does the electron configuration of an ion affect its chemical properties?

The electron configuration of an ion plays a crucial role in determining its chemical properties. The number and arrangement of electrons in an ion determine its reactivity, stability, and ability to form bonds with other atoms. The electron configuration also affects the ion's size and shape, which can influence its physical properties.

5. Is there a pattern to the electron configuration of ions for elements in the periodic table?

Yes, there is a general pattern to the electron configuration of ions for elements in the periodic table. As you move across a period, the number of valence electrons increases, and the electron configuration becomes more complex. Similarly, as you move down a group, the number of energy levels increases, resulting in a longer electron configuration for ions of elements in the same group.

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