Electron configuration---a different approach

The NOBLE gases all have 8 electrons in their outer shells, and because of this they are very stable and don't react with other atoms. They are 'too good' to play with any of the other elements in chemical reaction games! The rest of the elements want to have the same electron configuration as the noble gases, so they gain or lose electrons in order to emulate the noble gases.

In general, elements on the right side of the dividing line (drawn in class) on the periodic table are non metals and they tend to gain electrons to achieve psuedo noble status. Elements on the left side of the line are metals and they tend to lose electrons. Elements along the line are metalloids and they can go either way, gaining or losing electrons depending upon the conditions.

Examples:

1. Carbon has the atomic number of 6, therefore the neutral atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons. To 'look like' Ne, C must gain 4 electrons.
2. Fluorine has the atomic number of 9, therefore the neutral atom has 9 protons and 9 electrons. To 'look like' Ne, F must gain one electron.
3. Na (Sodium) has the atomic number of 11, therefore the neutral atom has 11 protons and 11 electrons. To 'look like' Ne, Na must loose 1 electron.

Periodic Table--highlights

Group 1 (the first column) are alkali earth metals and they all lose one electron to form +1 charged ions.
Group 2 (the second column) are alkaline earth metals and the all lose two electrons to form +2 charged ions.
Group 18 (last column) are the noble gases.
Group 17 (pentultimate column) are the halogens and they all gain one electron to form -1 charged ions.

(Platinum). Pt is what makes a catalytic converter in a automobile work.

To the right of Au is Hg. The expression "mad as a hatter" comes from the fact that mercury was used by hat makers and it is toxic to the brain and nervous system.

Mg, Ca and K are all important for proper muscle activity. Also, dietary supplements of Ca have been linked to a decreased risk for osteoporosis.

Nitrogen and phosphorous are used for fertilizer. Nitrogen in fertilizer does get into the ground water supply and subsequently ends up in the drinking water, where it is toxic to children and pregnant females. So there are some ethical concerns about the application of fertilizer.

We then digressed into a discussion of vitamin C (which is not an element, but a molecule) and the possibility of preventing viral infections. Linus Pauling (a Noble laureate) proposed the theory that large doses of vitamin C could prevent the common cold. This is still a theory, but I am an unofficial self experimentor. "An orange a day keeps the kleenex at bay."

For more information about elements: