Question
Download Solution PDFWhich of the following is a highly electropositive element that readily gives up an electron in order to obtain a stable electronic configuration?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Na.Key Points
- Location on Periodic Table: Sodium is located in Group 1 (IA) of the periodic table, which is known as the alkali metals group. All the alkali metals are highly electropositive and show similar chemical behavior due to having one electron in their outer shell.
- Reactivity: Sodium is highly reactive. For instance, it vigorously reacts with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. It's due to its extreme reactivity that sodium is stored in oil to prevent reactions with the environment.
- Ion Formation: Because sodium has only one electron in its outermost shell, it readily donates this electron to achieve the stable electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas, Neon. This results in a sodium ion (Na+) with a +1 charge.
- Flame Color: Sodium ions give a distinct yellow color when heated in a flame, which is traditionally used in street lights.
- Presence in Nature: Sodium does not occur naturally in its elemental form because of its high reactivity but is found in several minerals, including rock salt (NaCl) and soda ash (Na2CO3).
- Biological Importance: Sodium ions play a key role in nerve impulse transmission and fluid regulation in living organisms (as part of sodium chloride or common salt which is vital for living organisms).
Additional Information
| Element | Group on Periodic Table | Physical State and Appearance | Valence Electrons and Typical Ions | Reactivity | Natural Occurrence | Biological Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (Cl) | Group 17 (Halogens) | Greenish-yellow gas | 7 valence electrons; Forms Cl- ion | Highly reactive; supports combustion | Mostly found as part of compounds such as Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | Used for disinfection and as a bleaching agent |
| Oxygen (O) | Group 16 (Chalcogens) | Colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas | 6 valence electrons; Forms O2- ion | Supports combustion | Component of the Earth's atmosphere (~21%) | Essential for cellular respiration |
| Nitrogen (N) | Group 15 (Pnictogens) | Colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas | 5 valence electrons; Forms N3- ion or covalent bonds | Not reactive at standard temperature and pressure | Most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere (~78%) | Essential building block of amino and nucleic acids |
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