Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition

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Brown 14th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 58e

Chapter 2, Problem 58e

Using the periodic table, predict the charge of the most stable ion of the following elements: (e) Sb.

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Identify the group number of the element Sb (Antimony) on the periodic table.

Determine whether Sb is a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid based on its position in the periodic table.

Recall that elements tend to form ions that result in a full valence shell, often achieving a noble gas configuration.

Consider the typical charges of ions formed by elements in the same group as Sb, which is Group 15 (or Group V in older notations).

Predict the charge of the most stable ion of Sb by considering that Group 15 elements typically gain 3 electrons to achieve a full valence shell, resulting in a -3 charge.

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Key Concepts

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

Periodic Table and Group Trends

The periodic table organizes elements by increasing atomic number and groups them based on similar chemical properties. Elements in the same group typically exhibit similar valence electron configurations, which influence their ionization behavior. For example, elements in Group 15, like antimony (Sb), tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.

Ion Formation and Charge

Ions are charged particles formed when atoms gain or lose electrons. The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons. For antimony, which has five valence electrons, it can either gain three electrons to form a stable anion with a charge of -3 or lose five electrons to form a cation with a charge of +5, depending on the stability of the resulting configuration.

Stability of Ions

The stability of an ion is influenced by its electron configuration and the energy associated with gaining or losing electrons. Generally, ions that achieve a noble gas configuration are more stable. For antimony, the most stable ion is typically the one that minimizes energy, which is often the -3 charge, as it allows the element to achieve a full octet by gaining three electrons.

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