Give three examples of +2 ions that have an electron configuration of nd10 (n = 3, 4, 5...).

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that the problem is asking for +2 ions with a full d subshell, specifically with an electron configuration of nd^10.

Step 2: Recall that transition metals often form +2 ions by losing their s electrons first, followed by d electrons if necessary.

Step 3: Identify transition metals that have a d^10 configuration in their neutral state. These are typically found at the end of the d-block in each period.

Step 4: Consider the electron configurations of neutral transition metals like Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg), which have a d^10 configuration in their neutral state.

Step 5: Recognize that when these metals form +2 ions, they lose their s electrons, resulting in a d^10 configuration for the ion. Therefore, Zn^2+, Cd^2+, and Hg^2+ are examples of +2 ions with a d^10 configuration.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It is represented by a series of numbers and letters indicating the energy levels and sublevels occupied by electrons. For example, the notation 'nd10' indicates that the d subshell is fully filled with 10 electrons, which is characteristic of transition metals.

Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements found in the d-block of the periodic table, known for their ability to form variable oxidation states and colored compounds. They typically have partially filled d orbitals, but when they form +2 ions, they often lose their outermost s electrons first, leading to stable electron configurations such as nd10.

Ionic Charge and Stability

Ionic charge refers to the net electrical charge an atom carries after losing or gaining electrons. A +2 ion indicates that the atom has lost two electrons, which can lead to a more stable electron configuration. For example, transition metals like copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) can form +2 ions with a stable electron configuration of nd10, contributing to their chemical properties.

Recommended video:

Guided course

03:13

Intepreting the Band of Stability

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Based on their positions in the periodic table, predict which atom of the following pairs will have the smaller first ionization energy: (a) Br, Kr (b) C, Ca (c) Li, Rb (d) S, Ge (e) Al, B.

Textbook Question

Give examples of transition metal ions with +3 charge that have an electron configuration of nd5 (n = 3, 4, 5...).

Textbook Question

Write an equation for the first electron affinity of helium.Would you predict a positive or a negative energy value forthis process? Is it possible to directly measure the first electronaffinity of helium?

Textbook Question

If the electron affinity for an element is a negative number,does it mean that the anion of the element is more stablethan the neutral atom? Explain.