The substances NaF and CaO are isoelectronic (have the same number of valence electrons). (b) What are the charges of each of the anions in each compound?

Key Concepts

Isoelectronic Species

Isoelectronic species are atoms, ions, or molecules that have the same number of electrons and, consequently, the same electronic structure. In the case of NaF and CaO, both compounds have ions that achieve a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases, which is crucial for understanding their chemical behavior and bonding.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are involved in chemical bonding. The number of valence electrons determines how an atom interacts with others, including the formation of ions. In NaF, sodium (Na) has one valence electron, while fluorine (F) has seven, leading to the formation of Na+ and F- ions.

Ionic Charges

Ionic charges refer to the positive or negative charge that an atom acquires when it loses or gains electrons. In NaF, sodium loses one electron to become Na+, while fluorine gains one electron to become F-. In CaO, calcium (Ca) loses two electrons to form Ca2+, and oxygen (O) gains two electrons to form O2-, resulting in the respective charges of the anions in each compound.