Question

Use Lewis symbols to show electron transfer between the following atoms to form cations and anions: (a) K and S (b) Ca and O (c) Al and N. 

Answer 1

(a) K and S: 

The electronic configurations of K and S are as follows: 

K: 2, 8, 8, 1 

S: 2, 8, 6 

Sulphur (S) requires 2 more electrons to complete its octet. Potassium (K) requires one electron more than the nearest noble gas i.e., Argon. Hence, the electron transfer can be 

(b) Ca and O: 

The electronic configurations of Ca and O are as follows: 

Ca: 2, 8, 8, 2 

O: 2, 6 

Oxygen requires two electrons more to complete its octet, whereas calcium has two electrons more than the nearest noble gas i.e., Argon. Hence, the electron transfer takes place as: 

(c) Al and N: 

The electronic configurations of Al and N are as follows: 

Al: 2, 8, 3 

N: 2, 5 

Nitrogen is three electrons short of the nearest noble gas (Neon), whereas aluminium has three electrons more than Neon. Hence, the electron transference can be shown as:

Answer 2

Answer (a)

 K and S: 

The electronic configurations of K and S are as follows: 

K: 2, 8, 8, 1 

S: 2, 8, 6 

Sulphur (S) requires 2 more electrons to complete its octet. Potassium (K) requires one electron more than the nearest noble gas i.e., Argon. Hence, the electron transfer can be 

shown as: 

(b) Ca and O: 

The electronic configurations of Ca and O are as follows: 

Ca: 2, 8, 8, 2 

O: 2, 6 

Oxygen requires two electrons more to complete its octet, whereas calcium has two electrons more than the nearest noble gas i.e., Argon. Hence, the electron transfer takes place as: 

(c) Al and N: 

The electronic configurations of Al and N are as follows: 

Al: 2, 8, 3 

N: 2, 5