Answer: An element with 5 electrons is more likely to either gain 3 electrons in its’ outer-most valence electron shell
Explanation: To determine whether an element with 5 electrons is more likely to gain 3 or lose 5 electrons in its outermost valence electron shell, we can use the Lewis Dot Structure.
1. Draw the symbol of the element. For example, let's consider the element with 5 electrons as X.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for the element. Since the element has 5 electrons, it will have 5 valence electrons.
3. Represent the valence electrons as dots around the symbol of the element. In this case, we would draw 5 dots around the symbol X.
4. Analyze the electron configuration to determine the stability of the element.
- If the element gains 3 electrons, it will have a total of 8 valence electrons. This would result in a stable electron configuration, similar to the nearest noble gas. For example, if the element is in Group 15, gaining 3 electrons would give it the electron configuration of the noble gas, Neon (2, 8).