State the number of electrons lost or gained when the following elements form Ions.
Ga
Express your answer as an integer
Gallium (Ga) is in group 13 of the periodic table. In its neutral state, it has 31 electrons.
To determine the number of electrons lost or gained when gallium forms ions, we need to look at its position in the periodic table.
Group 13 elements typically lose 3 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to a noble gas. This results in a positive ion with a charge of +3.
Therefore, when gallium (Ga) forms ions, it loses 3 electrons.
To determine the number of electrons lost or gained when an element forms an ion, we need to examine its electronic configuration and the octet rule.
The element in question is Ga, which is the chemical symbol for gallium.
First, let's determine the electronic configuration of gallium. The atomic number of gallium is 31, meaning it has 31 electrons. The electronic configuration of gallium is: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p¹.
Now, let's consider gallium's position on the periodic table. Gallium is found in Group 13, also known as the Boron family. Elements in this group have three valence electrons.
To fulfill the octet rule (where elements seek to have a stable configuration with eight electrons in their outermost energy level), gallium can either lose its three valence electrons or gain five more electrons.
When gallium loses three electrons, it forms a gallium ion with a 3+ charge (Ga³⁺). Since it loses electrons, the number of electrons lost is 3.
On the other hand, when gallium gains five electrons, it forms a gallium ion with a 3- charge (Ga³⁻). Since it gains electrons, the number of electrons gained is 5.
Therefore, to answer your question, when gallium forms ions, it either loses 3 electrons (Ga³⁺) or gains 5 electrons (Ga³⁻).