Ions

[dmission]

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Hi all, quick question regarding ions. I'm reading in the EK book about the different ions for various atoms (Co2+,Fe3+, etc.) and it says that we don't need to memorize these ion numbers, but should be able to figure them out based off of the electron configuration for the atom. So, my question is sort of two-fold: Do these ions relate to the number of bonds the atom can have, and how do we figure it out based off of the electron configuration?

Is this the type of thing we'd be expected to do on the MCAT?

Thanks

 

[BeatMCAT]

Hi all, quick question regarding ions. I'm reading in the EK book about the different ions for various atoms (Co2+,Fe3+, etc.) and it says that we don't need to memorize these ion numbers, but should be able to figure them out based off of the electron configuration for the atom. So, my question is sort of two-fold: Do these ions relate to the number of bonds the atom can have, and how do we figure it out based off of the electron configuration?

Is this the type of thing we'd be expected to do on the MCAT?

Thanks

well the number of electrons from the given configuration can ONLY belong to one particular atom. Its like asking you to give the configuration for Cr. you would say Ar 3d54s1. so you should be able to do it backwards. so if i say what does Ar 3d5 correspond to? you should be able to figure out it is Cr+1. do you get it? (btw I hope I used correct examples. I am like falling asleep lol) AND YES you should DEF DEF know how to do this!

 

[dmission]

well the number of electrons from the given configuration can ONLY belong to one particular atom. Its like asking you to give the configuration for Cr. you would say Ar 3d54s1. so you should be able to do it backwards. so if i say what does Ar 3d5 correspond to? you should be able to figure out it is Cr+1. do you get it? (btw I hope I used correct examples. I am like falling asleep lol) AND YES you should DEF DEF know how to do this!

My book says Cr is 3+, though?

 

[whiteshadodw]

My book says Cr is 3+, though?

those transition metals don't necessarily form only one oxidation state. iron has multiple oxidation states, so does Cu, etc. while you should be able to go backwards, most likely you'll be given Cu +1 or +2, or Cr +1 and asked about the electronic configuration.

 

[salim271]

those transition metals don't necessarily form only one oxidation state. iron has multiple oxidation states, so does Cu, etc. while you should be able to go backwards, most likely you'll be given Cu +1 or +2, or Cr +1 and asked about the electronic configuration.

^^^this, and realize that transition metals do not display traditional bonding, they're usually involved in coordination complexes and can be relatively stable with as little as 1 or 2 bonds, yet still make up to six bonds. Octet rule doesnt apply in the slightest.

 

[dmission]

those transition metals don't necessarily form only one oxidation state. iron has multiple oxidation states, so does Cu, etc. while you should be able to go backwards, most likely you'll be given Cu +1 or +2, or Cr +1 and asked about the electronic configuration.

So would Cr +1 just be [Ar] 3d5? I'm a bit unsure how you would get that without knowing Chromium was your atom, though? Does this relate in any number of way from the number of bonds?