Question

Using electron configuration, explain the bonding patterns of the following elements.

(a) Alkali metals

(b) Halogens

(c) Group 15 – nitrogen family

Answer 1

a) Alkali metals electronic configuration is ns¹

They have only one unpaired electron in the outermost shell.

They can form only one bond with the other atoms.

Ex: NaH, NaCl

b) Halogens have electronic configuration is ns² np⁵

Halogens can exist as different bondings, they can bond with other atoms.

monovalent, trivalent, pentavalent, heptavelent bonding.

H-Cl, ClF3, BrF5, IF7

c) Nitrogen family configuration is ns² np³

They can form trivalent bonds or pentavalent bonding.

NH₃, PCl₅