Question

Which group of atoms do you expect to most easily lose their one electron?

A) Noble gases
B) Alkali metals
C) Halogens
D) Transition metals

Answer 1

Alkali metals are the group of atoms that easily lose their outermost electron, forming singly positive ions like Na+. The correct option is B) Alkali metals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The group of atoms that you would expect to most easily lose their one electron are alkali metals. Alkali metals such as sodium and potassium are located in Group 1 of the periodic table and have a single s electron in their outermost subshell (an s¹ configuration).

These elements are highly reactive chemically and easily give up their extra electron, tending to form singly positive ions, such as Na+. This contrasts with halogens and noble gases, which have a full or nearly full valence shell and are not as prone to losing electrons as the alkali metals.