I've come across multiple times where a question asks for the configuration of a compound like NaCl or KBr (so I guess ionic compounds) and I never understand how they solve it. Can someone explain?
How do you find the e- configuration for compounds?
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Do you mean like knowing that NaCl is formed of Na+ and Cl-?
This would arise from knowing the properties of the periodic table for common ions.
The most important ones being Alkali Metals are +1, Alkaline Earth Metals are +2, Chalcogens (mainly O and S) are -2, and Halogens are -1.
These combine predictably in ionic compounds. Also commonly it is good to know that silver is +1 and aluminum is +3.
Learn the ones I listed along with the common polyatomic ions and you can describe the structure of most basic compounds.
A quick search found this list. http://faculty.lacitycollege.edu/boanta/paperwork/iontable.htm
That is way beyond MCAT requirements but it contains all the important ones.
If this is not what you were asking, then apologies.
This would arise from knowing the properties of the periodic table for common ions.
The most important ones being Alkali Metals are +1, Alkaline Earth Metals are +2, Chalcogens (mainly O and S) are -2, and Halogens are -1.
These combine predictably in ionic compounds. Also commonly it is good to know that silver is +1 and aluminum is +3.
Learn the ones I listed along with the common polyatomic ions and you can describe the structure of most basic compounds.
A quick search found this list. http://faculty.lacitycollege.edu/boanta/paperwork/iontable.htm
That is way beyond MCAT requirements but it contains all the important ones.
If this is not what you were asking, then apologies.
