Atom A has the electron configuration [Ar]3d104s24p1. Atom B has the electron configuration [Ne]3s23p3. What is the likely formula of the compound formed between A and B?

Question

Atom A has the electron configuration [Ar]3d104s24p1. Atom B has the electron configuration [Ne]3s23p3.  What is the likely formula of the compound formed between A and B?

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, let's restate the problem to make sure the setup is clear. Atom A has the electron configuration [Ar]3d104s24p1, which corresponds to gallium (Ga), and Atom B has [Ne]3s23p3, which corresponds to phosphorus (P). The question asks for the likely formula of the compound formed between A and B, given several options.

Option AB2: This would imply a 1:2 ratio of A to B. If A is Ga with a typical +3 oxidation state and B is P with a typical -3 oxidation state, AB2 would give total charges of +3 and -6, which cannot balance to a neutral compound. In short, a 1:2 ratio does not align with the common ionic charge balance for Ga and P.

Option AB: This is a 1:1 ratio of A to B. If Ga is +3 and P is -3, one Ga atom can balance one P atom, giving a neutral compound GaP. This fits the idea of simple ionic charge balance and is the commonly expected formula for Ga and P.

Option A2B: This would mean two A atoms for every B atom. With A at +3, two A atoms would contribute +6 total positive charge, while B at -3 would contribute -3 for one B; overall that would be +3, which cannot yield a neutral compound without additional counterbalancing species. Therefore, this ratio is not compatible with simple Ga–P chemistry.

Option A3B2: This gives three A atoms for every two B atoms. Three A atoms would contribute +9 (if A is +3), and two B atoms would contribute -6 (if B is -3), leaving a net +3 charge. Since a neutral compound cannot have an overall nonzero charge, this ratio is not plausible for a simple binary Ga–P compound.

Option A2B3: This gives two A atoms for every three B atoms. Two A atoms would contribute +6, three B atoms would contribute -9, resulting in a net -3 charge. Again, a neutral binary compound would require the total charge to be zero, so this ratio does not balance in the simple ionic model for Ga and P.

To summarize the reasoning across options, the typical and straightforward charge balance for Ga (A) and P (B) suggests a 1:1 stoichiometry (A B), since Ga commonly exhibits a +3 oxidation state and P commonly a -3 oxidation state, which balance each other when present in equal numbers. The other ratios fail to achieve a neutral overall charge under the common ionic-charge assumptions for Ga and P.

Atom A has the electron configuration [Ar]3d104s24p1. Atom B has the electron configuration [Ne]3s23p3. What is the likely formula of the compound formed between A and B?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

NaCl (sodium chloride) is formed by a(n)

Which of the following is predominantly an ionic compound?

Which of the following compounds is ionic?

An example of an ionic bond in dentistry is:

Which of the following bonds is ionic?

How many bromide ions can combine with one ion of aluminum to form an ionic compound? BlackTom题目解析

Suppose there are two neutral atoms and one gives an electron to the other. Complete the sentence to analyse the two ions that are formed. The atom on the left can be written by the chemical symbol _____.

Suppose there are two neutral atoms and one gives an electron to the other. Complete the sentence to analyse the two ions that are formed. The atom on the right is a _________ ion.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler