(c) With what neutral homonuclear diatomic molecules are the NO+ and NO- ions isoelectronic (same number of electrons)? With what neutral homonuclear diatomic molecule is the NO- ion isoelectronic (same number of electrons)?

Key Concepts

Isoelectronic Species

Isoelectronic species are atoms, ions, or molecules that have the same number of electrons. This concept is crucial for comparing the electronic configurations of different species, as it helps identify similarities in their chemical behavior and properties. For example, the NO+ ion has one less electron than the neutral NO molecule, while the NO- ion has one more, allowing us to find neutral molecules that match their electron counts.

Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules

Homonuclear diatomic molecules consist of two identical atoms bonded together, such as O2 or N2. These molecules are significant in understanding molecular bonding and electronic structure, as they provide a basis for comparing the electron configurations of ions like NO+ and NO-. Identifying homonuclear diatomic molecules that are isoelectronic with these ions requires knowledge of their electron counts.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom or ion's orbitals. It is essential for determining the number of electrons in a species and understanding its chemical properties. For the NO+ and NO- ions, knowing their electron configurations allows us to identify which neutral homonuclear diatomic molecules have the same number of electrons, facilitating the comparison needed to answer the question.