An element ‘M’ has atomic number 12.
(i) Write its electronic configuration and valency.
(ii) Is ‘M’ a metal or a non-metal? Give reason in support of your answer.
(iii) Write the formula and nature (acidic/basic) of the oxide of M.
Answer
Atomic number of M = 12
(i)
Electronic configuration = 2, 8, 2
Since 2 electrons are present in the outermost shell, valency = 2
(ii)
Metals lose electrons to become stable(ie., attain noble gas configuration) whereas, non-metals gain electrons to become stable.
‘M’ has a tendency to lose 2 electrons so as to attain noble gas configuration. So, it is a metal.
(iii)
Oxygen has an electronic configuration 2, 6 which means it gains 2 electrons to become stable.
The chemical formula will be MO .
Metals form basic oxides and non-metals form acidic oxides.
Since M is a metal, the nature of its oxide will be basic.
