3.23

[Annie Lieu-1H]

I understand the concept behind oxidation states (how much you can lose and gain to become an octet). But for the chlorine atom, how does an oxidation charge of (+7) which means it loses 7 electrons, get to a full octet when Chlorine already has 5 electrons, so losing 7 would get it to a full d orbital which is ten electrons. And how would gaining one electron get it to a full octet when that would just get it to a full p subshell.

I just realized I think I'm stupid and that a full subshell defines an octet but also I don't know...

[Annie Lieu-1H]

Just realized you're trying to get to a noble gas configuration, nvm.

[Tess McDaniel 1F]

Basically, losing 7 electrons would obviously be way less likely and favorable than just gaining a single electron, but the question is just saying that theoretically it's possible and that atoms want to move toward a noble gas configuration. hope that helps!

[Clarissa Molina 1D]

Which elements are able to exist in both positive and negative oxidation states? Is there a way to determine that or do we just have to memorize which elements this applies to?