Chapter 8, Problem 53A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of electrons gained by oxygen when it combines with a metal to form a compound needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

When a non-metal combines with a metal to form a compound, the non-metal gains one or more electron(s) while the metal loses one or more electron(s). The non-metal accepts electron(s) in order to satisfy the octet configuration. The octet configuration of an atom refers to the tendency of the main group elements (metals and non-metals) to have eight electrons in the outermost or valence shell, giving it the same electron configuration as that of a noble gas.

Answer to Problem 53A

Oxygen will gain two electrons when it combines with a metal to form a compound.

Explanation of Solution

Oxygen occurs in group 16 of the periodic table and has six electrons in its valence shell. Therefore, oxygen needs two electrons in order to have a complete octet. These two electrons are gained from a metal when oxygen combines with the metal to form a compound.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of electrons gained by fluorine must be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Fluorine is a main group element and therefore, must satisfy the octet rule.

Answer to Problem 53A

Fluorine gains one electron when it combines with a metal.

Explanation of Solution

Fluorine occurs in the halogen group (group 17) of the periodic table and is one electron short of the nearest noble gas configuration. Therefore, fluorine accepts one electron when it combines with a metal to form a fluoride salt.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of electrons gained by nitrogen must be determined.

Concept Introduction:Nitrogen is a main group element and forms compounds in accordance with the octet rule.

Answer to Problem 53A

Nitrogen gains three electrons when it combines with a metal to form a compound.

Explanation of Solution

Nitrogen has 5 electrons in the valence shell and must acquire three electrons in order to have a complete octet. These three electrons are gained from a metal when nitrogen forms a nitride salt with the metals.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of electrons gained by chlorine must be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Chlorine is a main group element and therefore, must satisfy the octet rule.

Answer to Problem 53A

Chlorine gains one electron when it combines with a metal.

Explanation of Solution

Chlorine occurs in the halogen group (group 17) of the periodic table and is one electron short of the nearest noble gas configuration. Therefore, chlorine accepts one electron when it combines with a metal to form a chloride salt.

(e)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of electrons gained by sulfur must be determined.

Concept Introduction:

As in the other cases above, sulfur is a main group element and therefore, conforms to the octet rule.

Answer to Problem 53A

Sulfur gains two electrons when it combines with a metal.

Explanation of Solution

Sulfur is a group 16 element and has 6 electrons in its valence shell. Thus, sulfur is two electrons short of the nearest noble gas configuration. Sulfur accepts two electrons from a metal when it forms a sulfide in order to satisfy the noble gas configuration.