Question

What is the most likely charge on an ion formed by an element with a valence electron configuration of ns2np4

Answer 1

Answer:

2-

Explanation:

For an element to be stable, it must follow the octet rule: an atom will gain, lose or share electrons until its valence shell is complete with 8 electrons.

An element with the valence electron configuration ns²np⁴ has 6 (2+4) electrons in its valence shell. Thus, in order to fulfill the octet, it will gain 2 electrons. As a consequence, it will form an anion with charge 2-.