Atoms would prefer electron configuration with half-filled or fully-filled orbitals so as to minimizes potential energies. Also, orbitals with opposite spins tend to be unstable due to electrostatic repulsions between electrons and are therefore generally not as favored as orbitals with identical electron spins. Are you sure it is unstable.....? Certainly I can make metal oxides....Na_2O, and other alkali metal oxides, and I can make oxides of most other substances....oxygen is such a potent oxidant. And with iron and steel, all you have to do is erect the structure, and oxidation begins to take place. Of course in water, Na_2O, would give TWO equivs of hydroxide anion... Na_2O(s) + H_2O(l) rarr 2NaOH(aq)... graphite is a conductor of electricity because of the electrons that are free to move in the electron configuration of graphite. The electrons in pure graphite carbon are in the 1s^2 2s^2 2p^2 configuration . This creates a planar bonding where the atoms are somewhat free to shift sideways between layers. This structure allows electrons to flow through the structure creating an electric current. Carbon is classified as a non metal but can be +2 or +4 like a metal. Silicon the next member down ... What does 6mmol/l mean in blood glucose ? What is the electron configuration of aluminium?
