Chapter 8, Problem 8.95QE

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the electron configuration $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^1$, $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^4$ or $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5$ represent the element with the largest size has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Atomic size is half of the distance between the adjacent atoms in the molecule. Since the electron cloud has no fixed boundary so the size of the atom is measured with high difficulty.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the electron configuration $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^1$, $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^4$ or $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5$ represent the element with the smallest ionization energy has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The energy that is needed to remove an electron from the isolated, neutral gaseous atom is known as ionization energy. It is represented by $I$. The energy required to remove the first electron from the neutral atom is called the first ionization energy, denoted by $I_1$. The energy required to remove the second electron from the monovalent anion is called the second ionization energy, denoted by $I_2$ and so on. Energy is always supplied to the atom so as to remove an electron from it so ionization energies have positive values.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the electron configuration $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^1$, $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^4$ or $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5$ represent the element with the greatest electron affinity has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The change in energy when an electron is added to the neutral gaseous atom is known as electron affinity. An anion is formed in this process.