To determine which statement is best supported by the information in the chart, we should consider the concept of valence electrons and how atoms typically behave to achieve stability. Most atoms follow the octet rule, which states that atoms are most stable when they have eight electrons in their outer shell.
Here’s a breakdown of the atoms given in the chart:
1. Atom X - has 6 valence electrons.
2. Atom Y - has 2 valence electrons.
3. Atom Z - has 8 valence electrons.
Based on this information, let’s analyze each option to see which one is correct:
1. Atom X will donate electrons to Atom Y:
- Atom X has 6 valence electrons and needs 2 more to achieve stable configuration (8 electrons).
- Atom Y has 2 valence electrons and will likely donate electrons to achieve a stable noble gas configuration.
- Thus, it is unlikely that Atom X will donate electrons because it is more inclined to accept electrons to reach stability.
2. Atom X will accept electrons from Atom Y:
- Atom X has 6 valence electrons and needs 2 more electrons to achieve a stable configuration.
- Atom Y has 2 valence electrons and will likely donate these electrons to become stable.
- Therefore, Atom X accepting electrons from Atom Y is a logical statement and best describes the behavior of these atoms based on their valence electrons.
3. Atom Y will accept electrons from Atom Z:
- Atom Y has 2 valence electrons, and it needs to lose these electrons to achieve a stable configuration.
- Atom Z has 8 valence electrons and is already stable.
- Hence, Atom Y is not likely to accept electrons from Atom Z because Atom Z is not likely to donate electrons.
4. Atom Z will donate electrons to Atom X:
- Atom Z already has 8 valence electrons, which is a stable configuration.
- Atom X needs 2 more electrons to become stable, but Atom Z has no reason to donate electrons because it’s already stable.
- This makes it unlikely that Atom Z will donate electrons.
Given this analysis, the best-supported statement by the information in the chart is:
"Atom X will accept electrons from Atom Y".
Thus, the answer is:
Atom X will accept electrons from Atom Y.
