Question

Which of these is an isoelectronic series? 1) na+, k+, rb+, cs+ 2) k+, ca2+, or, s2– 3) na+, mg2+, s2–, cl– 4) li, be, b, c 5) none of these (a-d) save?

Answer 1

An isoelectronic series is where all of the ions listed have the same number of electrons in their atoms. When an atom has net charge of zero or neutral, it has equal number of protons and electrons. Hence, it means that the atomic number = no. of protons = no. of electrons. If these atoms become ions, they gain a net charge of + or -. Positive ions are cations. This means that they readily GIVE UP electrons, whereas negative ions (anions) readily ACCEPT electrons. So, to know which of these are isoelectronic, let's establish first the number of electron in a neutral atom from the periodic table:

Na=11; K=19; Rb=37; Cs = 55; Ca=20; S=16; Mg=12; Li=3; Be=4; B=5; C=6

A. Na⁺: 11-1 = 10 electrons
     K⁺: 19 - 1 = 18 electrons
     Rb⁺: 37-1 = 36 electrons

B. K⁺: 19 - 1 = 18 electrons
    Ca²⁺: 20 - 2 = 18 electrons
    S²⁻:  16 +2 = 18 electrons

C. Na⁺: 11-1 = 10 electrons
    Mg²⁺: 12 - 2 = 10 electrons
     S²⁻:  16 +2 = 18 electrons

D. Li=3 electrons
    Be=4 electrons
    B=5 electrons
    C=6 electrons

The answer is letter B.