3 ms·
Why does electronic configuration put it above Beryllium? Helium has a full first shell of electrons, and other noble gases have their subsequent shells filled
by trophycase 8y ago
Why does electronic configuration put it above Beryllium? Helium has a full first shell of electrons, and other noble gases have their subsequent shells filled with electrons, this is why they all have their property of being more or less inert. The reactive trends of noble gases aren't "emperically derived" as you say but as a result of being extremely energetically stable due to having full electron orbital shells.
EDIT: Perhaps I misunderstood and you meant that its initial placement was due to empirical data. But for good theoretical reason it has remained where it is IMO.
- gus_massa 8y agoBeryllium has 2 electrons and 6 holes in the last shell. Neon has 8 electrons and 0 holes in the last shell. Helium has 2 electrons and 0 holes in the last shell. How do you align Helium, in the 2 electrons column over Beryllium or in the 0 holes column over Neon? [I vote for aligning it over Neon.]
- trophycase 8y agoIf the number of holes tells you more about the reactivity and properties of the element than the number of electrons in the outermost shell, then they should be arranged that way. AFAIK there is no theoretical mandate that the periodic table should be the way that it is, so just organize it in the way that makes sense while also providing maximum utility.