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Atomic Structure

The Electron Structures of Ions and Noble Gases are the Same.

The noble gases are in group 0 of the periodic table.
They will not react with other atoms because they have
a full outer shell of electrons and no overall charge.

Atoms which have lost or gained electrons to form ions will also
have a full outer shell of electrons but because they have a charge
they will form ionic bonds with other oppositely charged ions.

Ions and noble gases both have a full outer shell of electrons
and therefore can have the same electron structure.

A Li⁺ ion has the same electron structure as Helium.

A Mg²⁺ ion has the same electron structure
as a Na⁺ ion and a O^2- ion.
It is the electron structure of Neon (see previous pages).

A Cl^- ion has the same electron structure as Argon.

The electron structure of
Helium is 2.
Neon is 2, 8.
Argon is 2, 8, 8.

Ions are said to have a noble gas electron structure.

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