Question

Within each group of four atoms or ions presented below, select the species that are isoelectronic with each other: Zn, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ar, Ge2+, Cl-, B-, C

Answer 1

Among the species listed, Zn and Ge2+ are isoelectronic with each other, each containing 30 electrons. Ar and Cl- are also isoelectronic, with 18 electrons each.

Step-by-step explanation:

The species that are isoelectronic with each other among the given atoms and ions (Zn, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ar, Ge2+, Cl-, B-, C) are those that have the same number of electrons and thus the same electron configuration. To identify which are isoelectronic, we look at their electron configurations after the ions have lost or gained the necessary electrons.

• Zn: [Ar]3d104s2 (30 electrons total)
• Fe3+: [Ar]3d5 (23 electrons total)
• Mn2+: [Ar]3d5 (23 electrons total)
• Ar: [Ne]3s23p6 (18 electrons total)
• Ge2+: [Ar]3d104s24p2 (30 electrons total)
• Cl-: [Ne]3s23p6 (18 electrons total)
• B-: [He]2s22p2 (5 electrons total)
• C: [He]2s22p2 (6 electrons total)

Considering the above configurations, Zn (30 electrons) and Ge2+ (30 electrons) are isoelectronic with each other, as well as Ar (18 electrons) and Cl- (18 electrons), since they have the same number of electrons. The other atoms and ions listed do not have a species with which they are isoelectronic in this group.

Answer 2

The answer is the product of your formula