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4 votes
Which reactants would lead to a spontaneous reaction?

Mn2+ and Cr
Fe and Cu2+
Al and Ba2+
Mg2+ and Sn

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer: Option (b) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The elements which have excess or deficiency of electrons will react readily.

Atomic number of Mn is 25 and electronic configuration of
Mn^(2+) is [Ar]
4s^(0)3d^(5). This configuration is stable.

Atomic number of Cr is 24 and electronic configuration of
Cr is [Ar]
4s^(1)3d^(5). This configuration is not stable.

Atomic number of Fe is 26 and electronic configuration of
Fe is [Ar]
4s^(2)3d^(6). This configuration is stable.

Atomic number of Cu is 29 and electronic configuration of
Cu^(2+) is [Ar]
4s^(0)3d^(9). This configuration is not stable.

Atomic number of Al is 13 and electronic configuration of Al is
1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(1). This configuration is not stable.

Atomic number of Ba is 56 and electronic configuration of
Ba^(2+) is [Kr]
4d^(10)5s^(2)5p^(6). This configuration is stable.

Atomic number of Mg is 12 and electronic configuration of
Mg^(2+) is
1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6). This configuration is stable.

Atomic number of Sn is 50 and electronic configuration of Sn is [Kr]
4d^(10)5s^(2)5p^(2). This configuration is stable.

Thus, we can conclude that out of the given options, only Fe and
Cu^(2+) reactants would lead to a spontaneous reaction as they have incomplete sub-shells. Therefore, in order to gain stability they will readily react.


User Manuel Romeiro
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