The alkali metal ions are very important for the proper

Chapter 8, Problem 121

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The alkali metal ions are very important for the proper functioning of biologic systems, such as nerves and muscles, and Na and K ions are present in all body cells and fluids. In human blood plasma, the concentrations are For the fluids inside the cells, the concentrations are reversed: Since the concentrations are so different inside and outside the cells, an elaborate mechanism is needed to transport Na and K ions through the cell membranes. What are the ground-state electron configurations for Na and K? Which ion is smaller in size? Counterions also must be present in blood plasma and inside intracellular fluid. Assume the counterion present to balance the positive charge of Na and K is Cl. What is the ground-state electron configuration for Cl? Rank these three ions in order of increasing size. 122. Pr