A set of four main-group elements—magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), and argon (Ar)—is shown below in no particular order.
(a) For each element, state the number of valence electrons it possesses in its ground-state atom.
(b) Draw the Lewis symbol (electron-dot symbol) for the ground-state atom of each element.
(c) Identify the most common monoatomic ion formed by each element and write its chemical symbol with charge.
(d) Draw the Lewis symbol for each ion identified in part (c), clearly indicating any gained or lost electrons and the resulting overall charge.
(e) Explain, in one well-organized paragraph, how the stability of each ion relates to the octet (or duet) principle and to the element’s position in its period and group.
a. Part (a)
b. Part (b)
c. Part (c)
d. Part (d)
e. Part (e)