Some atoms of element X in a discharge tube are found to have the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p⁶4s¹ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 2
Some atoms of element X in a discharge tube are found to have the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p⁶4s¹.
a. Give the name, or the chemical symbol, of element X.
b. I... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Some atoms of element X in a discharge tube are found to have the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p⁶4s¹ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. Give the name, or the chemical symbol, of element X.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Element X is fluorine, represented by the chemical symbol F.
Step 2
b. If the electron configuration changed from 1s²2s²2p⁴¹ to 1s²2s²2p³⁵, would the process be exothermic or endothermic? Explain your reasoning.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The process would be exothermic. This is because the electron moves from a higher energy level (4s) to a lower energy level (3s). Generally, when an electron transitions to a lower energy level, energy is released, indicating an exothermic process.
Step 3
c. Write the ground state electron configuration for atoms of element X.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The ground state electron configuration for atoms of element X, which is fluorine, is 1s²2s²2p⁶.
