Question

The electronic configuration of an element is 2, 8, 2. The hydroxide of this element can produce ______ hydroxyl ions per molecule.

Options

• 3

• 2

• 1

• 0

Answer 1

The electronic configuration of an element is 2, 8, 2. The hydroxide of this element can produce 2 hydroxyl ions per molecule.

Explanation:

The electronic configuration 2, 8, 2 tells us that the element has 2 valence electrons. To become stable, it loses these two electrons, forming a cation with a charge of +2.

Since each hydroxyl ion (OH⁻) has a charge of −1, the element requires two hydroxyl ions to balance its +2 charge and form a stable, neutral hydroxide compound (represented as M(OH)₂).

When this molecule dissolves or reacts, it releases those 2 hydroxyl ions.