How many p electrons are there in an atom of antimony (Sb)? Click here of a copy of periodic table.
3
21
9
15
24
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 15.
Explanation:
- Electron Configuration of Antimony (Sb):
Antimony has an atomic number of 51, meaning it has 51 electrons. The electron configuration for antimony is: [
1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^6 \, 3s^2 \, 3p^6 \, 3d^{10} \, 4s^2 \, 4p^6 \, 4d^{10} \, 5s^2 \, 5p^3
] - Understanding p Electrons:
- The p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons.
- P electrons are present in the 2p, 3p, 4p, and 5p orbitals for antimony.
- Counting the p Electrons:
- 2p subshell: (2p^6) → 6 electrons
- 3p subshell: (3p^6) → 6 electrons
- 4p subshell: (4p^6) → 6 electrons
- 5p subshell: (5p^3) → 3 electrons Adding these together:
[
6 \, (2p) + 6 \, (3p) + 6 \, (4p) + 3 \, (5p) = 15 \, \text{p electrons}
]
- Why is this Important?
- P electrons contribute to chemical bonding and determine the reactivity of an element.
- The valence p electrons (in the 5p subshell) play a crucial role in antimony’s ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions.
- Incorrect Options:
- (3, 9, 21, \text{and } 24): These do not match the sum of p electrons based on antimony’s configuration.
Thus, the total number of p electrons in an atom of antimony (Sb) is 15.