well, idk what I've done wrong, but if you find it, just point it out:
A1 + A2 + A3 = ATotal
A2 + A3 = 5A1/ 2
Since A1 = 3 x 2 = 6
ATotal = 15+6 = 21
I've forgotten whether 'evaluate' changes what the question is asking....sorry about that!
I think what they are trying to say is that the valence electron from the metal cation is excited i.e. 1 of the e- goes from the 2p6 state into 3s1, which is similar to the energy level configuration of the respective metal atom, but that's wrong to say because an ion is formed by the lack/...