Question

Which of the following atoms is likely to transfer (and lose) an electron when it forms an ion? Please choose the correct answer from the following choices, and then select the submit answer button. an atom containing 6 electrons an atom containing 2 electrons an atom containing 11 electrons an atom containing 10 electrons an atom containing 8 electrons

Answer 1

Answer:

An atom containing 11 electrons

Explanation:

Metal atoms form ions by a loss of electrons whereas non-metal atoms form ions by the gain of electrons.

The group 1 elements or alkali metals form lose their one valence shell electrons when forming ions; Group 2 metals lose two while Group 3 lose three. On the other hand, non-metal atoms found in Group 5, 6, and 7 forms ions by gaining one, two and three electrons respectively.

Using the electronic configuration of atoms, their groups in the Periodic Table can be determined.

An atom containing 6 electrons has the configuration 2,4 and thus belongs to Group 4.

An atom with 2 electrons belongs to Group 2

An atom with 11 electrons has the configuration 2,8,1 and thus belongs to Group 1

An atom with 10 electrons has the configuration 2,8 and thus belongs to Group 8

An atom with 8 electrons has the configuration 2,6 and thus belongs to Group 6.

From the above, it can be seen that an atom containing 11 electrons belongs to Group 1 and will lose an electron to form an ion.