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Ch.8 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 8, Problem 66c

Write the electron configuration for each ion. c. K+

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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 or ion's orbitals. It is represented using a notation that indicates the energy levels and sublevels occupied by electrons, following the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund's rule. Understanding electron configuration is essential for predicting chemical behavior and bonding properties.
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Electron Configuration Example

Ionic Charge

Ionic charge refers to the electrical charge that an atom or ion carries due to the loss or gain of electrons. For example, a potassium ion (K<sup>+</sup>) has a +1 charge, indicating it has lost one electron compared to its neutral state. This change in electron count directly affects the electron configuration, as the configuration must reflect the new number of electrons.
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Formal Charge

Potassium Ion (K<sup>+</sup>)

Potassium (K) is an alkali metal with an atomic number of 19, meaning it has 19 electrons in its neutral state. When it forms a K<sup>+</sup> ion, it loses one electron, resulting in a total of 18 electrons. The electron configuration for K<sup>+</sup> is thus 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s², which can be simplified to [Ar] to denote the configuration of the nearest noble gas, argon.
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Magnitude of Equilibrium Constant