Predict the charge of the most stable ion of selenium.
A)3+
B)1-
C)2+
D)2-
E)1+

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Selenium is a nonmetal located in group 16 of the periodic table, also known as the oxygen family. It has six valence electrons and typically forms two negative ions (Se2-) or two positive ions (Se2+). However, the most stable ion of selenium is the one that achieves a noble gas electron configuration, which is the same as the nearest noble gas, argon (Ar), located in the previous row. To achieve this configuration, selenium must gain two electrons to form the 2- ion. Therefore, the best choice is D) 2-.

Predict the Charge of the Most Stable Ion of Selenium