Table 1 shows the electron arrangement for elements W, X, Y, and Z.
| Element | Electron Arrangement |
|---------|---------------------|
| W | 2.4 |
| X | 2.8 |
| Y | 2.8.2 |
| Z | 2.8.7 |
Which element is a metal?
A) W
B) X
C) Y
D) Z
Answer (2)
To determine which element is a metal, we need to look at their electron arrangements and understand where they are located on the periodic table.
The electron arrangement for the elements are as follows:
Element W: 2.4
Element X: 2.8
Element Y: 2.8.2
Element Z: 2.8.7
The electron arrangement refers to how the electrons are distributed across the different electron shells. Metals are typically found on the left side of the periodic table and often have fewer valence electrons, allowing them to easily lose electrons to form positive ions.
Element W has the electron configuration of 2.4. The element with 4 electrons in the outer shell is likely in group 14 (since it has 4 valence electrons), which could be a non-metal or metalloid.
Element X has an electron configuration of 2.8. This configuration indicates a full shell of 8 electrons, corresponding to neon, a noble gas, not a metal.
Element Y has the electron configuration of 2.8.2. An outer shell with 2 electrons is typical of Group 2 elements (alkaline earth metals), such as magnesium or calcium, which are metals.
Element Z has the electron configuration of 2.8.7. This configuration is characteristic of Group 17 elements, which are halogens, typically non-metals.
Therefore, the element that is a metal is most likely Element Y , which has the configuration 2.8.2, typical of metals in Group 2.
Correct Choice: C) Y
Element Y is a metal because it has the electron arrangement 2.8.2, typical of alkaline earth metals. These elements have 2 electrons in their outer shell, making them capable of easily losing electrons and forming positive ions. The correct choice is C) Y.
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