Question

Give the number of electrons in each shell for lead.

Short answer

Lead has 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, and 4 electrons in its shells, respectively.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Lead's Atomic Number

The atomic number of lead (Pb) is 82, which indicates the number of protons and, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons as well.

Understand Electron Shell Capacity

Electron shells are filled according to the 2n² rule, where n is the shell number (n=1, 2, 3,...). This means the first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, the second up to 8, the third up to 18, and so on. Shells typically fill in sequence from innermost to outermost.

Distribute Electrons to Shells

Start filling the shells with electrons based on the shell capacity: - The K shell (n=1) holds 2 electrons. - The L shell (n=2) holds 8 electrons. - The M shell (n=3) holds 18 electrons. - The N shell (n=4) holds 32 electrons. - The O shell (n=5) holds the remaining 4 electrons, making it 18 in total for the N shell first, and then the O shell gets filled. Lead's electron configuration by shell is: K: 2, L: 8, M: 18, N: 32, O: 18, P: 4.

Key concepts

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental characteristic of an element. It tells you the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. This is crucial because it also determines the number of electrons in a neutral atom—where the number of electrons equals the number of protons. For instance, lead (Pb) has an atomic number of 82. This means a neutral lead atom has 82 protons inside its nucleus and 82 electrons surrounding it. Knowing the atomic number is the first step to understanding an element’s electron configuration.

It's like a basic identity card for the element, telling you exactly how many fundamental particles it is made of. Thus, the atomic number is not just a number but a descriptor of the element's identity and behavior in chemical reactions.

Electron Shells

Electron shells are layers or levels around the nucleus of an atom where electrons are found. These shells are named as K, L, M, N, O, etc., starting from the closest to the furthest from the nucleus. Each shell can hold a limited number of electrons, which can be determined using the 2n² rule (where n is the shell number). For example, the first shell (K) can hold up to 2 electrons, while the second shell (L) can take up to 8.

Electrons prefer to fill the nearest shell to the nucleus before moving to the next one. This creates a structure that determines how atoms bond with each other. Knowing how many electrons fit into each shell helps predict how an element like lead will interact with other elements, contributing to our broader understanding of chemistry.

Electron Distribution

Electron distribution refers to how electrons are arranged in an atom’s shells. For lead, with its atomic number of 82, this is especially important. Electrons are fed into the shells in a structured manner:

• First, fill the K shell with 2 electrons, as it is the closest to the nucleus.
• Next, the L shell gets 8 electrons.
• Then, the M shell can accommodate 18 electrons.
• Afterwards, the N shell receives as many as 32 electrons.
• Lastly, the remaining electrons go into the O shell, which in lead's case, completes with 18 electrons, and the P shell with 4 electrons.

The structure concludes with the electron configuration: K: 2, L: 8, M: 18, N: 32, O: 18, P: 4. This orderly arrangement is crucial for predicting chemical properties and how the atom interacts with its surroundings.

Lead (Pb)

Lead (Pb) is a chemical element with distinctive properties. As seen from its position in the periodic table, it belongs to Group 14 and is commonly recognized by its atomic number, 82. Lead is known for its malleable nature and is commonly used in industries, although it is toxic if not handled properly.

In terms of its electron configuration, lead holds an interesting setup due to its high atomic number. The unique electron distribution (K: 2, L: 8, M: 18, N: 32, O: 18, P: 4) contributes to its behavior in reactions and its ability as a conductive material. Understanding lead's atomic and electronic structure aids in grasping why it works the way it does in various chemical settings, including manufacturing and circuit industries.