Chapter 6, Problem 56A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To list the symbols of all the elements that have given electronic configuration.

Concept introduction:

The electron configuration of an element defines how its electrons are arranged throughout its atomic orbitals. Standard notation is used to represent atomic electron configurations, placing all electron-containing atomic subshells in sequential order. The number of electrons held by the subshell is indicated by superscript.

Answer to Problem 56A

  $\text{Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs}$

Explanation of Solution

Given electronic configuration is,

  $n{s}^1$

The last electron in the s-subshell, so it is an s-block element. The outer shell or highest occupied energy level contains 1 electron; thus, the given electron configuration is of group 1A. Elements of group 1A are lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium.

Thus, a list of symbols of elements having a given configuration is,

  $\text{Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To list the symbols of all the elements that have given electronic configuration.

Concept introduction:

The electron configuration of an element defines how its electrons are arranged throughout its atomic orbitals. Standard notation is used to represent atomic electron configurations, placing all electron-containing atomic subshells in sequential order. The number of electrons held by the subshell is indicated by superscript.

Answer to Problem 56A

  $\text{F, Cl, Br, I, At}$

Explanation of Solution

Given electronic configuration is,

  $n{s}^{2}n{p}^4$

The last electron in the p-subshell, so it is a p-block element. The outer shell or highest occupied energy level contains 6 electrons; thus, the given electron configuration is of group 6A. Elements of group 6A are oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium.

Thus, a list of symbols of elements having a given configuration is,

  $\text{O, S, Se, Te, Po}$

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To list the symbols of all the elements that have given electronic configuration.

Concept introduction:

The electron configuration of an element defines how its electrons are arranged throughout its atomic orbitals. Standard notation is used to represent atomic electron configurations, placing all electron-containing atomic subshells in sequential order. The number of electrons held by the subshell is indicated by superscript.

Answer to Problem 56A

  $\text{Zn, Cd, Hg, Cn}$

Explanation of Solution

Given electronic configuration is,

  $n{s}^{2}n{d}^{10}$

The last electron is in d-subshell, so it is a d-block element. The d-subshell contains 10 electrons, so it belongs to the 2B group.

Thus, a list of symbols of elements having a given configuration is,

  $\text{Zn, Cd, Hg, Cn}$