Chapter 11.4, Problem 3RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: This is to be explained how similarity between the elements in vertical column is related to their similar chemical behavior and electron configuration.

Concept introduction: Valence electrons are the electrons that occupy the outermost shell(highest energy level).

Answer to Problem 3RQ

It is because each element have same number of outer electron. So they have similar electron configuration.

Explanation of Solution

In the periodic table the vertical columns show the similar chemical property because the outer electron are same for each element. So valence will be same for each element.

Let us take the example of Sulphur and Oxygen

  $\begin{array}{l}{}_{\text{16}}{\text{S}}^{\text{32}}={\text{1s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{2s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{2p}}^{\text{6}}{\text{3s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{3p}}^{\text{4}}\\ {}_{\text{8}}{\text{O}}^{\text{16}}={\text{1s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{2s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{2p}}^{\text{4}}\end{array}$

Both the elements have outer electron 6.

Conclusion

Atomic number, proton and neutron can be calculated by the superscript and subscript of any element.