Question

The electron configurations of some elements are given. Based on the electron configurations, which elements can likely form ions with multiple charges?
zinc [Ar] 3d10 4s2
iron [Ar] 3d6 4s2
sodium [Ne] 3s1
cobalt [Ar] 3d7 4s2
silver [Kr] 4d10 5s1


A student has a piece of aluminum metal. Which is the most reasonable assumption the student could make about the metal?

A.
It would only conduct electricity if it were melted.
B.
It could melt and boil if thrown into a campfire.
C.
It would break if it were hit with a hammer.
D.
It will always have the exact same shape.
E.
It could be stretched into a thin wire.

Answer 1

1. C is a possibility for your answer.

2. Is E because metals are malleable or bendable.

Answer 2

a) Answer:

Iron and Cobalt

Explanation:

As per the given examples:

Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), Cobalt(Co) and silver (Ag) are all transition metals which have d orbitals that can take a maximum of 10 electrons

Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal where the valence s-orbital can take a maximum of 2 electrons.

Zn - 3d104s2 where both d and s orbitals are full and stable

Fe-3d64s2, s-orbital is full but d-orbital more than half full. Fe can form ions with multiple charges due to the excitation of d electrons

Na- 3s1, the maximum charge on Na is +1 due to the loss of the one s-electron

Co-3d74s2, Like Fe, here s-orbital is full but d-orbital more than half full. Co can form ions with multiple charges due to the excitation of d electrons

Ag-4d105s1. the maximum charge on Ag is +1 due to the loss of the one s-electron

b)

Answer:

B) It could melt and boil if thrown into a campfire.

Explanation:

The melting point of Al is around 660 C and the temperatures reached by a campfire is above 1000 C. Hence, it will melt in a campfire.