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Write the s, p electron configuration for an atom of calcium in its ground state - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question c - 2022
Question c
Write the s, p electron configuration for an atom of calcium in its ground state. In an atom of calcium in its ground state how many (i) main energy levels (shells... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write the s, p electron configuration for an atom of calcium in its ground state - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question c - 2022
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
In an atom of calcium in its ground state how many (ii) orbitals, are occupied by electrons?
Answer
There are 10 orbitals occupied by electrons in an atom of calcium. This is calculated as follows:
- 1s: 1 orbital
- 2s: 1 orbital
- 2p: 3 orbitals
- 3s: 1 orbital
- 3p: 3 orbitals
- 4s: 1 orbital
Thus, 1 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 10.
Step 4
Use the electron configuration of calcium to predict how a calcium atom is likely to behave in a chemical reaction. Explain your reasoning.
Answer
A calcium atom tends to lose two electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration. When considering the electron configuration 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2, the calcium atom has two electrons in its outermost shell (4s).
In chemical reactions:
- Calcium typically loses the two 4s electrons, forming a Ca²⁺ ion.
- This loss allows it to have a stable electron configuration similar to that of Argon (Ar), which is isoelectronic with Ca²⁺.
- Therefore, calcium behaves as a Group 2 (alkaline earth metal) element, readily forming ionic bonds.