Orbitals and Lewis structures Flashcards
1
Q
The two exceptions to 4s2
A
Chromium: 4s13d5
Copper: 4s12d10
2
Q
Why is chromium an exception to orbital rule?
A
3d and 4s orbitals are so close in energy that it’s more energetically favourable for electrons to remain unpaired.
3
Q
Why is copper an exception to orbital rule?
A
More energetically favourable to fill 3d orbitals and have unpaired electrons in 4s
4
Q
How is chemical reactivity related to valence electrons?
A
Ability of electrons to be lost/gained to form complete shell.
Charge on nucleus and size of atom to govern ease or loss or gain of an electron by an atom
5
Q
Why do transition metals behave similarly?
A
4s orbital filled first, and 4s electrons are lost before 3d
