Question

2.

Use electron configurations to explain the bonding between lithium and chlorine. Be sure to
include the formula for lithium chloride.

Answer 1

Lithium donates its single valence electron to chlorine, resulting in the formation of a lithium cation (Li+) and a chloride anion (Cl-), which combine to form the ionic compound lithium chloride (LiCl).

Step-by-step explanation:

Electron configurations play a crucial role in the bonding of lithium and chlorine to form lithium chloride. Lithium, with an electron configuration of 1s²2s¹, has one valence electron. Chlorine, with an electron configuration of [Ne]3s²3p¹, has seven valence electrons and needs one more to complete its octet. To achieve stable noble gas configurations, lithium can donate its one valence electron to chlorine.

As a result, lithium becomes a lithium cation with a positive charge, Li+, and chlorine becomes a chloride anion with a negative charge, Cl-. This transfer of an electron leads to the attraction between the oppositely charged ions, resulting in an ionic bond. The formula for lithium chloride, which is formed through this ionic bond, is LiCl.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Electronic Configuration for Li: 1s²2s¹

Electronic Configuration for Cl: [Ne]3s²3p⁵

When Lithium and Chlorine bonds together, the electron in the Lithium 2s subshell will be transfered to the Chlorine 3p subshell, giving both the Lithium and Chlorine atoms a complete 1st and 3rd energy levels respectively.

Formula for Lithium chloride: LiCl.