1. When a potassium atom reacts with a bromine atom, the
bromine atom will
a) lose 1 electron and form a positive ion
b) lose 2 electrons and form a positive ion
c) gain 1 electron and form a negative ion
d) gain 2 electrons and form a negative ion
I know its either C/D but im not sure which one.
14 years ago
1 year ago
To determine the correct answer, we need to look at the electron configurations of potassium (K) and bromine (Br) atoms.
A potassium atom has an electron configuration of 1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pā¶ 3sĀ² 3pā¶ 4sĀ¹. It has one valence electron in the 4s orbital.
A bromine atom has an electron configuration of 1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pā¶ 3sĀ² 3pā¶ 4sĀ² 3dĀ¹ā° 4pāµ. It has seven valence electrons in the 4s and 4p orbitals.
Based on the concept of electron configuration and the octet rule, atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the noble gases.
In the case of potassium (K), it has a single valence electron in the 4s orbital. To achieve a stable electron configuration similar to argon (Ar) with 18 electrons, it is easier for potassium to lose one electron. This would result in a neutral potassium ion with a +1 charge, denoted as K+.
On the other hand, bromine (Br) has seven valence electrons in the 4s and 4p orbitals. To achieve a stable electron configuration similar to krypton (Kr) with 36 electrons, it is easier for bromine to gain one electron to complete its outer energy level. This would result in a negative bromide ion, denoted as Br-.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) gain 1 electron and form a negative ion.
1 year ago