Question

Explain in terms of electron configuration why selenium and sulfur have similar chemical properties

Answer 1

Selenium and sulfur have similar chemical properties because they both have six electrons in their valence p orbital, leading to analogous electron configurations that dictate similar chemical behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Selenium and sulfur have similar chemical properties because their electron configurations, especially in their valence shells, are analogous. These elements belong to the same group on the periodic table, meaning they both have six electrons in their outermost p orbital (p block elements), resulting in a similar set of valence electrons that largely determine their chemical reactivity. This is why elements in the same column of the periodic table exhibit similar chemical behavior.

Moreover, as we look at elements such as silicon, phosphorus, and chlorine, we can see that their outer shell electron configurations are similar to those of the lighter elements, like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, but with the principal quantum number increased. Thus, it's not only selenium and sulfur but all elements within a group that typically display similar chemical properties due to having the same type and arrangement of valence electrons.

Answer 2

Answer: they have the same chemical properties, because their electronic configuration ends with 6 valence electrons.

Explanation: selenium and sulphur have similar chemical properties because according to their electronic configuration, they both have the same valence electron(6). This valence electron makes them to fall under the same group. Elements in the same group tends to have similarities in their chemical properties.