Question

Consider the following electron configuration. Give four species that in theory, would have this electron configuration ${\left({\sigma }_{3s}\right)}^{\mathbf{2}}{\left({{\sigma }_{3s}}^{*}\right)}^{\mathbf{2}}{\left({\sigma }_{3p}\right)}^{\mathbf{2}}{\left({\pi }_{3p}\right)}^{\mathbf{4}}{\left({{\pi }_{3p}}^{*}\right)}^{\mathbf{4}}$.

Short answer

Four species with this electron configuration are $C{l}_2,S_2^{2-},SC{l}^{-},A{r}_2^{2+}$

Step-by-step solution

Step 1- Finding electronic configuration

The given configuration starts with 3s which shows they are valence configurations, So the total number of electrons calculated is 14. So now the species should have 14 valence electrons and should be under the 3^rd shell as the configuration is up tothe 3^rd shell only.

Explanation regarding chlorine

Two chlorine atom makes a chlorine molecule. Each chlorine atom has 7 valence atoms. So, a chlorine molecule will have 14 valence electrons. Also, the valence electronic configuration of chlorine is $3s^{2}3p^5$and they are under the 3^rd shell.

Explanation regarding S22-

Sulphide ion is formed by two sulphur atoms each sulphur atom has 6 valence electron so, the sulphide ion has 12 electrons while the two negative charges is added so the total is 14 valence electrons. Also, the valence electronic configuration for a sulphur atom is $3s^{2}3p^4$. They are also under 3^rd shell.

Explanation regarding SCl-

This molecule is formed by sulphur and chlorine atom with a negative charge on it which is added. Sulphur has 6 valence electrons and chlorine has 7 valence electrons and with a negative charge so the total valence electrons are 14. Also, the valence electronic configuration of sulphur atom is $3s^{2}3p^4$and of chlorine atom is $3s^{2}3p^5$. They are under 3^rd shell.

Explanation regarding Ar22+ 

Each argon atom consists of 8 valence electrons. The ion bears two positive charges which will be subtracted. Hence total valence electrons are 14. The electronic configuration of the argon atom is $3s^{2}3p^6$. They are also under 3^rd shell.