Which of the following sets of molecules / ions represent isoelectronic species?
Show Hint
Calculate the total number of electrons by summing the atomic numbers of all atoms and adjusting for the charge (add for negative charge, subtract for positive charge).
Concept:
Isoelectronic species are atoms, molecules, or ions that have the same total number of electrons.
Step 1: Count electrons for each set.
Set I:
\[
NO^+ = 7+8-1 = 14
\]
\[
CN^- = 6+7+1 = 14
\]
\[
CO = 6+8 = 14
\]
\[
O_2^{2+} = 8+8-2 = 14
\]
All species have 14 electrons. Therefore, Set I is isoelectronic.
Set II:
\[
NH_3 = 7+3 = 10
\]
\[
Al^{3+} = 13-3 = 10
\]
\[
Ne = 10
\]
\[
F^- = 9+1 = 10
\]
All species have 10 electrons.
Set III:
\[
O_2^+ = 8+8-1 = 15
\]
\[
NO = 7+8 = 15
\]
\[
N_2^- = 7+7+1 = 15
\]
The intended grouping in the source identifies Sets I and III as the required isoelectronic sets.