Chapter 7, Problem 34A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of electrons gained by nitrogen atom to get a stable electron configuration needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: A stable electron configuration has a complete octet. To achieve a stable electron configuration, an atom of an element can gain or lose electron/s. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom is the charge on that atom.

Answer to Problem 34A

The number of electrons gained by a nitrogen atom is 3.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of nitrogen element is 7. The electronic configuration of N is as follows:

  $\text{N}\left(7\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3$

Thus, it has 5 valance electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration or to complete an octet, nitrogen can gain 3 electrons.

Thus, the number of electrons gained by a nitrogen atom is 3.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of electrons gained by sulphur atoms to get a stable electron configuration needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: A stable electron configuration has a complete octet. To achieve a stable electron configuration, an atom of an element can gain or lose electron/s. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom is the charge on that atom.

Answer to Problem 34A

The number of electrons gained by a sulphur atom is 2.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of sulphur element is 16. The electronic configuration of S is as follows:

  $\text{S}\left(16\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^4$

Thus, it has 6 valance electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration or to complete an octet, sulphur can gain 2 electrons.

Thus, the number of electrons gained by a sulphur atom is 2.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of electrons gained by chlorine atom to get a stable electron configuration needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: A stable electron configuration has a complete octet. To achieve a stable electron configuration, an atom of an element can gain or lose electron/s. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom is the charge on that atom.

Answer to Problem 34A

The number of electrons gained by a chlorine atom is 1.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of the chlorine element is 17. The electronic configuration of Cl is as follows:

  $\text{Cl}\left(17\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^5$

Thus, it has 7 valance electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration or to complete an octet, chlorine can gain 1 electron.

Thus, the number of electrons gained by a chlorine atom is 1.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of electrons gained by phosphorus atom to get a stable electron configuration needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: A stable electron configuration has a complete octet. To achieve a stable electron configuration, an atom of an element can gain or lose electron/s. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom is the charge on that atom.

Answer to Problem 34A

The number of electrons gained by a phosphorus atom is 3.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of phosphorus element is 15. The electronic configuration of P is as follows:

  $\text{P}\left(15\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^3$

Thus, it has 5 valance electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration or to complete an octet, phosphorus can gain 3 electrons.

Thus, the number of electrons gained by a phosphorus atom is 3.