Use the periodic table to answer the question.

Question

periodic table

































A chemical reaction produces a molecule in which all of the atoms have a stable configuration. Which molecule could be the product of the reaction?

(1 point)
Responses

K
C
l
2
cap k cap c l sub 2

M
g
B
r
2
cap m g cap b r sub 2

S
i
O
5
cap s i cap o sub 5

P
H
4

Answer 1

To find a molecule in which all the atoms have a stable electron configuration, we need to look for molecules formed from elements that achieve a full outer shell, typically by reaching the octet rule.

1. K (Potassium): Has one electron in its outer shell and does not form stable configurations with just one atom.
2. Cl₂ (Chlorine gas): Each chlorine atom (Cl) has 7 valence electrons. When two Cl atoms bond, they share electrons to achieve a stable, full outer shell (8 electrons).
3. MgBr₂ (Magnesium bromide): Magnesium (Mg) has 2 valence electrons and loses those to achieve stability, while each bromine (Br) atom gains an electron. So, this compound has stable configurations.
4. SiO₅ (Silicon pentoxide): Silicon typically forms stable configurations in compounds such as SiO₂, but SiO₅ would not typically be stable as described.
5. PH₄ (Phosphine): Phosphorus (P) can form bonds but is not achieving a full octet in this case, as it would only have 8 electrons (4 from hydrogen, 4 from phosphorus).

Considering the above analysis, the most stable molecule formed from the options, where all atoms have a stable configuration is:

Cl₂ (Chlorine gas).