Some ions do not have a corresponding neutral atom that has the same electron configuration. For each of the following ions, identify the neutral atom that has the same number of electrons and determine if this atom has the same electron configuration. (a) CI⁻, (b) Sc³⁺, (c) Fe²⁺, (d) Zn²⁺, (e) Sn⁴⁺.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Determine the number of electrons in each ion by considering the atomic number of the element and adjusting for the charge. For example, Cl^- has one more electron than a neutral chlorine atom.
2. Identify the neutral atom that has the same number of electrons as each ion. This can be done by finding an element in the periodic table whose atomic number matches the number of electrons in the ion.
3. Compare the electron configurations of the ions to the electron configurations of the corresponding neutral atoms identified in the previous step. Remember that ions may have electron configurations that differ due to the loss or gain of electrons affecting the outermost shells.
4. Assess whether the electron configurations are the same or different. This involves checking if the electrons are distributed across the shells in the same way in both the ion and the neutral atom.
5. Summarize the findings for each ion, stating whether the neutral atom identified has the same electron configuration or not.

Key Concepts

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It is represented using a notation that indicates the energy levels and sublevels occupied by electrons. Understanding electron configuration is crucial for determining how ions form and how they compare to their neutral atoms, as it directly influences chemical properties and reactivity.

Ionic Charge and Electron Count

The ionic charge of an atom indicates the number of electrons lost or gained compared to its neutral state. For example, a cation like Sc³⁺ has lost three electrons, while an anion like Cl⁻ has gained one. Identifying the neutral atom corresponding to an ion involves adjusting the electron count based on its charge, which is essential for comparing electron configurations.

Isoelectronic Species

Isoelectronic species are atoms or ions that have the same number of electrons and, consequently, the same electron configuration. This concept is important for understanding how different ions can exhibit similar chemical behavior despite being different elements. Recognizing isoelectronic relationships helps in predicting properties and reactivity of ions in various chemical contexts.