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Provide the electron configuration of the fluorine ion F-.

User Mengdi Gao
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Final answer:

The fluorine ion F- has the electron configuration [He]2s²2p⁶, resulting from a neutral fluorine atom gaining one electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration, similar to neon.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron configuration of the fluorine ion F- refers to the distribution of electrons around the nucleus of a fluorine atom when it has gained an extra electron to become an anion. Neutral fluorine has the electron configuration [He]2s²2p⁵, which translates to a total of nine electrons. To achieve the electron configuration of neon (Ne), which is a noble gas with a stable octet, fluorine has to gain one valence electron leading to the configuration [He]2s²2p⁶, thus, resulting in the electron configuration for the F- anion. This addition of an electron gives fluorine a negative charge and the fluoride ion, F-, is thus formed. Ionic bonding typically involves such transfers of electrons to achieve noble gas configurations, and as an anion with one negative charge, fluoride plays a key role in processes like tooth mineralization.

User Michael Pralow
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