Textbook Question
Chlorine exists as one of two isotopes with atomic masses of 34.969 amu (35Cl) and 36.966 amu (37Cl) . Calculate the relative abundance of 35Cl and 37Cl based on the average atomic mass of 35.453 amu.
1336
views
Ch. 2 - General Chemistry Translated: Finding the Electrons
Mullins1st EditionOrganic Chemistry: A Learner Centered ApproachISBN: 9780137566471
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 2 - General Chemistry Translated: Finding the Electrons114
- Ch. 3 - Alkanes and Cycloalkanes: Properties and Conformational Analysis109
- Ch. 4 - Acids and Bases: Electron Flow144
- Ch. 5 - Chemical Reaction Analysis: Thermodynamics and Kinetics118
- Ch. 6 - Stereoisomerism: Arrangement of Atoms in Space112
- Ch. 7 - Principles of Green (Organic) Chemistry3
- Ch. 8 - Alkenes I: Properties and Electrophilic Additions158
- Ch. 9 - Alkenes II: Oxidation and Reduction150
- Ch. 10 - Alkynes: Electrophilic Addition and Redox Reactions101
- Ch. 11 - Properties and Synthesis of Alkyl Halides: Radical Reactions108
- Ch. 12 - Substitution and Elimination: Reactions of Haloalkanes172
- Ch. 13 - Alcohols, Ethers and Related Compounds: Substitution and Elimination239
- Ch. 14 - Structural Identification I: Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry54
- Ch. 15 - Structural Identification II: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy93
- Ch. 16 - Metals in Organic Chemistry48
- Ch. 17 - Carbonyl Addition Reactions: Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch. 18 - Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution I: Carboxylic Acids18
- Ch. 19 - Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution II: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives39
- Ch. 20 - Enolates: Carbonyl Addition and Substitution13
- Ch. 21 - Conjugated Systems I: Stability and Addition Reactions56
- Ch. 22 - Conjugated Systems II: Pericyclic Reactions54
- Ch. 23 - Benzene I: Aromatic Stability and Substitution Reactions64
- Ch. 24 - Benzene II: Reactions Influenced by the Aromatic Ring62
- Ch. 25 - Amines: Structure, Reactions, and Synthesis27
- Ch. 26 - Amino Acids, Proteins, and Peptide Synthesis9
- Ch. 27 - Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids, and Lipids54
Mullins1st EditionOrganic Chemistry: A Learner Centered ApproachISBN: 9780137566471Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooks
Mullins 1st EditionCh. 2 - General Chemistry Translated: Finding the ElectronsProblem 5
Mullins 1st EditionCh. 2 - General Chemistry Translated: Finding the ElectronsProblem 5Chapter 1, Problem 5
Why is argon considered to be so stable that it is referred to as a noble gas?
Verified step by step guidance1
Argon is considered stable because it has a complete octet in its outermost electron shell, meaning it has 8 valence electrons. This configuration is energetically favorable and does not require argon to gain, lose, or share electrons.
The term 'noble gas' refers to elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, which are characterized by their full valence electron shells. Argon, being part of this group, shares this property.
Due to its full valence shell, argon has minimal chemical reactivity. It does not readily form bonds with other elements, making it chemically inert under standard conditions.
The stability of argon is further supported by its electronic configuration: \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 \). This configuration reflects a completely filled outer shell, which is a hallmark of noble gases.
In practical applications, argon's inertness is utilized in environments where chemical reactions need to be minimized, such as in welding or as a protective atmosphere for sensitive materials.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Noble Gases
Noble gases are a group of chemical elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, characterized by their lack of reactivity due to having a complete valence shell of electrons. This stable electron configuration makes them unlikely to form chemical bonds with other elements, which is why they are often referred to as 'inert' or 'noble.'
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:05
How Noble gases are related to the octet rule.
Electron Configuration
Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. For argon, the electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶, indicating that it has eight electrons in its outer shell, fulfilling the octet rule. This full outer shell is a key reason for its stability and lack of reactivity.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:14The Electron Configuration
Reactivity of Elements
The reactivity of elements is influenced by their electron configurations, particularly the number of electrons in their outermost shell. Elements with incomplete outer shells tend to be more reactive as they seek to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve stability. In contrast, argon’s complete outer shell results in minimal tendency to react with other elements.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:56Understanding the Element Effect.
Related Practice
Textbook Question
A chemistry student drew the following incorrect electron configuration for carbon. (a) Correct the diagram.
861
views
Textbook Question
How many valence shell electrons do each of the following elements contain? How many new bonds can each form?
(c) O
1283
views
Textbook Question
How many valence shell electrons do each of the following elements contain? How many new bonds can each form?
(a) C
1265
views
Textbook Question
How many valence shell electrons do each of the following elements contain? How many new bonds can each form?
(b) N
1808
views
Textbook Question
Bromine-79 (50.7% abundance) has an atomic mass of 78.918 amu, whereas bromine-81 (49.3% abundance) has an atomic mass of 80.916 amu. From these data, calculate the average atomic mass of bromine that you would expect to see in the periodic table.
1281
views