Question

The electron configurations of two unknown elements x and y are shown. X: 1s2 2s2 2p6 Y: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 Which statement is most likely correct about the two elements? A) They will react because X can give up two electrons B) They will react because X and Y can share two pairs of electrons to become stable C) They will not react because both have a complete outermost shell and are stable D) They will not react because both will give up one electron. to become stable.

Answer 1

Answer:

B) They will react because X and Y can share two pairs of electrons to become stable

Explanation:

The electron configurations of two elements x and y are given :

X: 1s2 2s2 2p6

Y: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6

The statement that is true for both the elements is that, they both will react as they both can share two pairs of electrons to become stable.

To become stable the outermost shell or p orbital should have 8 electrons, so element X  can gain 2 atoms to become stable.

Element Y can also react as it can also share two atoms to fulfill its 3p orbital and will stable.

Hence, the correct option is "B".