) Write the electron configuration for Antimony (Sb) using shorthand notation b) Identify an element that would be expected to have similar chemistry as Antimony.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
a) Electron Configuration for Antimony (Sb)
Antimony (Sb) has an atomic number of 51, meaning it has 51 electrons. To write its electron configuration in shorthand notation, we begin by noting the nearest noble gas prior to Antimony, which is Krypton (Kr), with an atomic number of 36. This allows us to use the shorthand notation starting from Krypton’s electron configuration.
The electron configuration of Antimony (Sb) is:[Kr]4d105s25p3\text{[Kr]} 4d^{10} 5s^2 5p^3[Kr]4d105s25p3
Here’s how this breaks down:
- [Kr] represents the electron configuration of Krypton (the noble gas with atomic number 36).
- After Krypton, we have electrons filling the 4d orbital (10 electrons), followed by the 5s orbital (2 electrons), and finally, the 5p orbital (3 electrons), completing the total of 51 electrons.
b) Element with Similar Chemistry to Antimony
Antimony (Sb) is a member of the group 15 (also known as the nitrogen group) of the periodic table. Elements in the same group typically have similar chemical properties because they share the same number of valence electrons (five in this case).
The element most similar in chemistry to Antimony is Arsenic (As). Arsenic is directly above Antimony in group 15, with an atomic number of 33. Both Antimony and Arsenic share similar chemical behaviors due to their analogous electron configurations, particularly in the valence shell. For example, both elements can form similar compounds, such as trivalent and pentavalent compounds, and they both have similar oxidation states, commonly +3 and +5.
Why Arsenic is Chemically Similar to Antimony:
- Group similarity: Both elements are in group 15, so they have similar electron configurations in their outermost shells.
- Oxidation states: Both Arsenic and Antimony commonly exhibit the same oxidation states, +3 and +5, which makes them behave similarly in chemical reactions.
- Physical properties: The two elements share similar physical properties, such as being metalloids, meaning they have characteristics of both metals and non-metals.
Thus, Arsenic is expected to have similar chemistry to Antimony, reflecting their position in the periodic table and shared electron configurations.
