Write the electronic configuration of two elements X and Y whose atomic numbers are 20 and 17 respectively. Write the molecular formula of the compound formed when element X reacts with element Y. Draw electron-dot structure of the product and also state the nature of the bond formed between both the elements.
Write the electronic configuration of two elements X and Y whose atomic numbers are 20 and 17 respectively. Write the molecular formula of the compound formed when element X reacts with element Y. Draw electron-dot structure of the product and also state the nature of the bond formed between both the elements.
Official answer
- Electronic Configuration:
- Element (Atomic number = ): (Calcium, a metal)
- Element (Atomic number = ): (Chlorine, a non-metal)
- Molecular Formula:
Element has valence electrons and needs to lose electrons to achieve a stable octet, forming . Element has valence electrons and needs to gain electron to achieve a stable octet, forming .
To balance the charges, one atom of transfers its valence electrons to two atoms of (each taking electron).
Therefore, the molecular formula of the compound is .
- Nature of Bond:
The bond formed between element and element is an ionic bond (or electrovalent bond), because it is formed by the complete transfer of electrons from a metal () to a non-metal ().
- Electron-Dot Structure:
``diagram {"xrange": [76.0, 324.0], "yrange": [-124.6, -25.4], "lines": [{"from": [100.0, -75.0], "to": [300.0, -35.0], "label": "transfer of 1 e-"}, {"from": [100.0, -75.0], "to": [300.0, -115.0], "label": "transfer of 1 e-"}], "points": [{"x": 100.0, "y": -75.0, "label": "X (2,8,8,2)"}, {"x": 300.0, "y": -35.0, "label": "Y (2,8,7)"}, {"x": 300.0, "y": -115.0, "label": "Y (2,8,7)"}], "caption": "Electron Transfer in the Formation of XY2"} ``
Chemical representation of electron transfer:
Marking scheme
- 1.1 Mark: Correct electronic configurations of both X () and Y ().
- 2.1 Mark: Correct molecular formula () and identifying the bond as ionic/electrovalent.
- 3.1 Mark: Correct electron-dot structure showing electron transfer.
Hint
Identify the valence electrons of both elements. Element X (Calcium) wants to lose 2 electrons, while Element Y (Chlorine) wants to gain 1 electron. Use this to find the ratio of combination.
Quick oral answer
Element X is Calcium (Ca) with configuration 2,8,8,2 and Element Y is Chlorine (Cl) with configuration 2,8,7. They react to form Calcium Chloride (), which is an ionic compound formed by the transfer of electrons.
Common mistakes
- 1.Writing the formula as instead of .
- 2.Incorrectly identifying the bond as covalent instead of ionic.
- 3.Forgetting to show the charges ( and ) on the ions in the final electron-dot structure.
Analysis and explanation
This question tests the application of octet theory to chemical bonding. Elements with , , or valence electrons are generally metals that lose electrons to form cations, while elements with , , or valence electrons are non-metals that gain electrons to form anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms a strong ionic bond, resulting in high melting and boiling points for the compound.
Interesting facts
Calcium chloride (), which is the compound here, is highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) and is commonly used as a de-icing agent on roads in cold countries because it lowers the freezing point of water.
Question details
Q8 of 33 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2017
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 3
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- Metals and Non-metals
- Topic
- Formation and Properties of Ionic Compounds
- Bloom's level
- applying
- Syllabus topic
- Reactivity of metals and non-metals, ionic bonding, electron-dot structures
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us and we will fix it.
Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2017?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Metals and Non-metals" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Formation and Properties of Ionic Compounds" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 paper.