Two elements, \(A\) and \(B\), have the electron configurations shown. $$ \mathrm{A}=[\mathrm{Kr}] 4 s^{2} \quad \mathrm{B}=[\mathrm{Ar}] 3 d^{10} 4 s^{2} 4 p^{5} $$ (a) Which element is a metal? (b) Which element has the greater ionization energy? (c) Which element has the larger atomic radius? (d) Which element has the greater electron affinity?

Short Answer

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(a) B is the metal. (b) A has a greater ionization energy. (c) A has a larger atomic radius. (d) B has a greater electron affinity.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the element is a metal

The rule is that any atom with an unfilled electron shell is considered a metal. Element A has an electron configuration: [Kr] 4 s^2. Element B has an electron configuration: [Ar] 3d^10 4s^2 4p^5. B ended at 4p^5, it has an unfilled shell, so, B is a metal.
02

Determine which element has a greater ionization energy

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom in its gaseous phase. Elements with a greater atomic number and a full outer shell will have a higher ionization energy since they are more stable in nature. Here, A has a full outer shell, so A has a greater ionization energy.
03

Determine the element with a larger atomic radius

Atomic radius decreases across a period on the periodic table and increases down a group. This is because when you move down the groups, there are more electron shells. Here, A with configuration [Kr] 4 s^2 is presumed to have a larger atomic radius compared to B since it likely belongs to a lower period.
04

Establish the element with a greater electron affinity

Electron affinity is the amount of energy released when electrons are added to a neutral atom to form a negative ion. Elements that do not have a full outer shell tend to have a higher electron affinity since they can experience stability once there are enough electrons to fill their outer shell. In this case, B with an unfilled shell (having its electron configuration end in 4p^5) would have a higher electron affinity as it is closer to filling its outer shell than A.

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