Question

Read about restoring electrolytes on page r4 of the element handbook. write electron configurations for the two principal ions found in body fluids.

Answer 1

The two principal ions found in body fluids are Na(+) and Cl(-).

Na(+) is the cation formed when Na loses one electron. So, given that the atomic number of Na is 11, the number of electrons of Na(+) is 11 - 1 = 10.

Cl(-) is the anion formed when Cl gains one electron. So, given that the atomic number of Cl is 17, the number of electrons of Cl(-) is 18.

Now let's do the electron configuration of each ion.

Na(+): 10 electrons =>


`1s^22s^22p^6`

Cl(-): 18 electrons =>


`1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^6`