Consider the following electron configuration. (σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4 select four species that, in theory, would have this electron configuration.

Explanation:

The first step is to get the total number of valence electrons. This is obtained by summing the exponents at the top in;

(σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4

This gives us;

2+2+2+4+4=14.

We are pretty much looking for diatomic species (molecules or ions) with 14 electrons.

1) Cl₂ --> This molecule is made up of two chlorine aoms. Chlorine atoms belong to group 7, hence they have a valency of 7. The total valency in this diatomic molecule is given as; 2 * 7 = 14.

2) Ar₂²⁺ -->  This ion is made up of two argon atoms. Argon belongs to group 8, hence they have a valency of 8. The total valency in this diatomic molecule is given as; 2 * 8 = 16. The 2+ charge however, denotes that 2 electrons have been lost. The total number of valency electrons is now; 16 - 2 = 14.

3) S₂²⁻ --> This ion is made up of two sulphur atoms. Sulphur belongs to group 6, hence they have a valency of 6. The total valency in this diatomic molecule is given as; 2 * 6 = 12. The 2- charge however, denotes that 2 electrons have been gained. The total number of valency electrons is now; 12 + 2 = 14.

4)SCl⁻ --> This ion is made up of slphur and chlorine. Sulphur belongs to group 6, hence they have a valency of 6. Chlorine belongs to group 7, hence a valency of 7. The total valency in this diatomic molecule is given as; 6 + 7 = 13. The 1- charge however, denotes that 1 electron have been gained. The total number of valency electrons is now; 13 + 1 = 14.

3 hours because it is a decent distance.