MCAT General Chemistry Question 155: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 155
5. The following electronic configurations represent elements in their neutral form. Which element is the strongest oxidizing agent?
- A. 1s22s22p63s23p64s2
- B. 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d5
- C. 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p1
- D. 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p5
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
A strong oxidizing agent will be easily reduced, meaning that it will have a tendency to gain electrons. Atoms usually gain electrons if they are one or two electrons away from filling up their valence shell. Choice (A) has a full 4s-orbital, meaning that it can only gain an electron if it gains an entire p subshell. Choice (B) has a stable, half-full 3d-orbital, so it is unlikely to pick up electrons unless it can gain five. Choice (C) has only a single electron in the outer shell, which is more likely lost upon ionization. Choice (D) would fill up its 4p-orbital by gaining one electron, so it is easily reduced.