Arrange the following elements from greatest to least tendency to accept an electron.
Mg, Si, Na, S, Cl
Solution
The ability to accept one or more electrons is known as electron affinity.
The halogens( Group 7A) have the highest electron affinity values because by accepting an electron makes a stable noble gas configuration. Hence, Cl has greatest tendency to accept an electron.
The valence electron configuration of the Mg metal is 3s2. The extra electron must enter the 3p subshell, which is effectively shielded by two 3s electrons ( Because ns electrons are more penetrating than np electrons) and the inner electrons. Consequently, Mg metal has little tendency to pick up an extra electron.
Hence, Mg has least tendency to accept an electron.
The valence electron configuration of the Na metal is 3s1. The extra electron must enter the 3s subshell, which is stable as it fulfills the s orbital. Hence, Na has greatest tendency to accept an electron than Mg.
From left to right electron affinity increases. Hence, S > Si
Therefore, the order of accepting an electron from greatest to least is as follows:
Cl (349 kJ/mol) > S (200 kJ/mol) > Si (134 kJ/mol) > Na (53 kJ) > Mg (<(=) 0).
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Arrange the following elements from greatest to least tendency to acce.docx
1. Arrange the following elements from greatest to least tendency to accept an electron.
Mg, Si, Na, S, Cl
Solution
The ability to accept one or more electrons is known as electron affinity.
The halogens( Group 7A) have the highest electron affinity values because by accepting an
electron makes a stable noble gas configuration. Hence, Cl has greatest tendency to accept an
electron.
The valence electron configuration of the Mg metal is 3s2. The extra electron must enter the 3p
subshell, which is effectively shielded by two 3s electrons ( Because ns electrons are more
penetrating than np electrons) and the inner electrons. Consequently, Mg metal has little
tendency to pick up an extra electron.
Hence, Mg has least tendency to accept an electron.
The valence electron configuration of the Na metal is 3s1. The extra electron must enter the 3s
subshell, which is stable as it fulfills the s orbital. Hence, Na has greatest tendency to accept an
electron than Mg.
From left to right electron affinity increases. Hence, S > Si
Therefore, the order of accepting an electron from greatest to least is as follows:
Cl (349 kJ/mol) > S (200 kJ/mol) > Si (134 kJ/mol) > Na (53 kJ) > Mg (<(=) 0).
