The electronic configuration of an element Z is 2, 8, 8.
(a) What is the atomic number of the element ?
(b) State whether element Z is a metal or a non-metal
(c) What type of ion (if any) will be formed by an atom of element Z ? Why ?
(d) What is special about the outermost electron shell of the atom of this element ?
(e) Give the name and symbol of element Z
(f) Name the group of elements to which Z belongs.

Answer

(a) 18 (b) Non-metal (c) The atom of element X will not form any ion because it has a completely filled outermost shelll (having 8 electrons) due to which it can neither lose electrons nor gain electrons to form an ion (d) The outermost electron shell of the atom of this element is completely filled with electrons (e) Argon, Ar (g) Noble gases (or inter gases).