Write down the electronic configuration of the following elements from the given atomic numbers. Answer the following question with explanation.
6C, 3Li, 9F, 7N, 8O
Which of the above elements has the highest nonmetallic character?
Electronic configuration:
⇒ The atomic number of carbon = 6
The electronic configuration of 6C = 2,4
⇒ The atomic number of lithium = 3
The electronic configuration of 3Li = 2,1
⇒ The atomic number of fluorine = 9
The electronic configuration of 9F = 2,7
⇒ The atomic number of nitrogen = 7
The electronic configuration of 7N = 2,5
⇒ The atomic number of oxygen = 8
The electronic configuration of 8O = 2,6
Among the given elements, fluorine has highest non-metallic character (most electronegative element).
Explanation:
All the given elements have total two shells present in them which means all the elements belong to the same period (period 2).
⇒ The non-metallic character (electronegativity) increases as we move from lithium to fluorine in a period.
⇒ Hence, among the given elements, fluorine has the highest tendency to accept electrons.
⇒ Thus, fluorine has the highest non-metallic character.
Note: More easily an element accepts electrons, higher will be its non- metallic character (electronegativity)