Question

Give reasons for the following :

a) Ions are more stable than atoms.

b) Noble gases show low reactivity.

c) An atom is electrically neutral.

Explain with complete justifications.

Points : 15 ☺

Answer 1

1) Ions are more stable than parent atom becuase atom loses or gains electron to form ion hence they will acquire octet therefore they are more stable.
Eg-Na
Electronic configuration
2,8,1
After losing one electron
It becomes Na+ ion ansld acquire stability.
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2)Noble gases show very less reactivity because they have a stable configuration.
But noble gases of higher atomic no can react and form compounds under some conditions because the valence shell electrons can be removed because of some effects like screening.
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3) An atom is electrically neutral because the positive charge bearing protons are same in number as of negative charge bearing electrons.

Answer 2

1) the tendency of every atom is to form stable electronic configuration. ions have a stable electronic configuration with octet (8 electrons ) or duplet (2 electrons) structure. therefore they do not gain , lose or share electrons. on the other hand atoms (except noble gases) have less than 8 electrons in their outermost shell and hence take part in chemical reaction to attain stability. So ions are more stable than atoms

2)an atom requires 8 electrons or 2 electrons in their outermost shell to become stable. The outermost shell of the noble gases either have 8 electrons or 2 electrons . therefore they are stable and do not gain, lose or share electrons or are chemically less reactive.

3)in an atom , the number of positively charged protons in the nucleus is equal to the negatively charged electrons revolving around the nucleus. The charges are equal and opposite in nature and therefore cancel each other. So the atom as a whole is electrically neutral