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Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 15th EditionCh.6 - Electronic Structure of AtomsProblem 100d
Chapter 6, Problem 100d

Using the periodic table as a guide, write the condensed electron configuration and determine the number of unpaired electrons for the ground state of d. Sb

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Identify the atomic number of antimony (Sb) from the periodic table, which is 51.
Determine the nearest noble gas preceding Sb, which is krypton (Kr) with an atomic number of 36.
Write the condensed electron configuration starting from Kr: \([\text{Kr}]\).
Continue filling the electron orbitals following the order: 5s, 4d, and 5p, until you reach the total of 51 electrons.
Count the number of unpaired electrons in the 5p orbital, as this will determine the number of unpaired electrons in the ground state of Sb.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It is typically represented using a notation that indicates the energy levels and sublevels occupied by electrons. For example, the condensed electron configuration uses the nearest noble gas to simplify the representation, making it easier to understand the arrangement of electrons in an atom.
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Electron Configuration Example

Periodic Table and Element Position

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number and electron configurations. Each element's position indicates its electron shell and subshell filling order, which is crucial for determining its chemical properties. For antimony (Sb), located in group 15 and period 5, understanding its position helps in predicting its electron configuration and the number of unpaired electrons.
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Unpaired Electrons

Unpaired electrons are those that occupy an orbital alone, without a partner of opposite spin. The presence of unpaired electrons is significant as it influences an atom's magnetic properties and reactivity. In the case of antimony, identifying the number of unpaired electrons in its ground state configuration is essential for understanding its chemical behavior and bonding characteristics.
Related Practice
Textbook Question

As discussed in the A Closer Look box on 'Measurement and the Uncertainty Principle,' the essence of the uncertainty principle is that we can't make a measurement without disturbing the system that we are measuring. (a) Why can't we measure the position of a subatomic particle without disturbing it?

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Textbook Question

Scientists have speculated that element 126 might have a moderate stability, allowing it to be synthesized and characterized. Predict what the condensed electron configuration of this element might be.

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Textbook Question

In the experiment shown schematically below, a beam of neutral atoms is passed through a magnetic field. Atoms that have unpaired electrons are deflected in different directions in the magnetic field depending on the value of the electron spin quantum number. In the experiment illustrated, we envision that a beam of hydrogen atoms splits into two beams. (a) What is the significance of the observation that the single beam splits into two beams?

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