Question

A neutral lithium atom has 1 valence electron. A neutral bromine atom has 7 valence electrons. A chemical reaction between the 2 forms lithium bromide.
What electrical charges would the 2 newly formed ions take on?
A. Li- and Br-
B. Li+ and Br-
C. Li- and Br+
D. Li+ and Br+

Answer 1

Answer: Option (B) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Atomic number of lithium is 3 and its electronic distribution is 2, 1.

Atomic number of bromine is 35 and its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 18, 7.

It is known that a neutral atom which accepts electrons acquires a negative charge and a neutral atom that loses electrons will acquire a positive charge.

So, in order to attain stability lithium will lose its 1 valence electron and bromine will accept its 1 electron.

Therefore, lithium will acquire a positive charge and bromine will acquire a negative charge.

Thus, we can conclude that electrical charges would the 2 newly formed ions take on is $Li^{+}$ and $Br^{-}$.

Answer 2

I believe the Lithium will give up its electron to the bromine so it would become negative

 so it is Li- and Br+