Question

In chemistry, up to which group are elements likely to form cations, and after which group are they likely to form anions?

A. Group 2, Group 13
B. Group 14, Group 15
C. Group 12, Group 13
D. Group 13, Group 14

Answer 1

Elements up to Group 13 in the periodic table tend to form cations, while those starting from Group 14 up to Group 17 are likely to form anions, making the correct answer 'Group 13, Group 14' (D).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for the groups in the periodic table where elements are likely to form cations and anions. According to the periodic table, main-group elements in groups 1 and 2, including those in group 13, such as aluminum, are inclined to form cations.

These groups lose their valence electrons to achieve a noble gas electron configuration, leading to a positive charge. For elements in groups beyond 13, specifically groups 14-17, the trend switches to the formation of anions as these non-metals gain electrons to fill their valence shell, resulting in a negative charge. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is Group 13, Group 14 (D). Transition metals are capable of forming more than one cation with different ionic charges and do not always follow the same trend as main-group elements.