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A stable electron configuration refers to an atom in which the outer electron shell is full. Outermost electron shells hold a maximum of 2, 8, 8, 18,...(etc.) electrons. With an outer shell of 2 electrons, the Periodic Table shows that helium has a stable electron configuration. The next stable configuration of an element has 10 (2 + 8) electrons. This is neon. Neon is followed by argon, with 18 (2 + 8 + 8) electrons. Krypton, with 36 (2 + 8 + 8 + 18) electrons is next. The remaining stable configurations follow a similar pattern, based on the maximum number of electrons able to fit into the outermost ring. These elements are extremely stable and rarely react with other elements. They are referred to as the noble gases or inert elements. Atoms of other elements may bond with each other or different elements to form molecules having full outermost shells of electrons.
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Alkali metals lose an electron to form a stable octet. true or false?
False. Alkali metals lose one electron to form a stable electron configuration with a full outer shell of electrons, which is the stable electron configuration for these elements.
Is hydride ion more stable or less stable than H-atom?
The hydride ion (H-) is more stable than the hydrogen atom (H•) because the extra electron in the hydride ion helps to stabilize the negative charge through electron-electron repulsion. Additionally, the hydride ion benefits from a full electron octet, making it more stable compared to the hydrogen atom, which has an unpaired electron.
Is a duplet electron considered stable?
A duplet electron configuration is considered stable, as it corresponds to having two electrons in the outer energy level, which is the most stable configuration for elements in the first period. Elements like helium achieve a duplet electron configuration and are relatively stable due to their full outermost energy level.
Why do halogens in group 7 have such have such high electron affinities?
Halogens in group 7 have high electron affinities because they only need to gain one electron to achieve a stable octet electron configuration, which is energetically favorable. This makes them highly reactive in forming stable compounds with metals that can donate an electron to satisfy their electron needs.
When chlorine gains an electron what achieves a complete octet?
When chlorine gains an electron, it achieves a complete octet by filling its outermost valence shell with 8 electrons, which is the stable configuration of a noble gas. This helps it achieve a more stable electron configuration and become chemically stable.
