(b) With what allotrope of oxygen is it isoelectronic?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'isoelectronic': Two species are isoelectronic if they have the same number of electrons.
2. Identify the allotropes of oxygen: The common allotropes are O2 (dioxygen) and O3 (ozone).
3. Determine the number of electrons in each oxygen allotrope: O2 has 16 electrons (8 from each oxygen atom) and O3 has 24 electrons (8 from each oxygen atom).
4. Compare the number of electrons in the given species with the number of electrons in each oxygen allotrope to find which one is isoelectronic.
5. Conclude which allotrope of oxygen has the same number of electrons as the given species.

Key Concepts

Isoelectronic Species

Isoelectronic species are atoms, ions, or molecules that have the same number of electrons and, therefore, the same electronic structure. This concept is crucial for comparing different elements or compounds, as it helps predict their chemical behavior and properties based on their electron configurations.

Allotropes of Oxygen

Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state but have different structures and properties. Oxygen has several allotropes, including dioxygen (O2) and ozone (O3), which exhibit distinct chemical and physical characteristics despite being composed of the same type of atoms.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. Understanding electron configuration is essential for determining the chemical properties of an element, including its reactivity and how it interacts with other elements, which is particularly relevant when identifying isoelectronic species.