Question

Determine which of the following elements would lose electrons when becoming ions:I. HydrogenII. HeliumIII. IronIV. FluorineV. GalliumA. I, II, and IIIB. I and IIIC. IV and VD. I, III, and V

Answer 1

Chemistry =>The periodic table => Ion

Ions form when a neutral element gains or loses electrons. The number of electrons you gain or lose will depend on the valence electrons, that is, the electrons in the last energy level.

When the valence electrons are less than 4, the element will lose its electrons when it becomes an ion. If the element has more than 4 valence electrons, it will tend to gain electrons when becoming an ion.

Let's see the valence electrons of the elements, the valence electrons can be found in the periodic table:

I. Hydrogen: 1 valence electron

II. Helium: 2 valence electron (It is a noble gas with one energy level)

III. Iron: 2 valence electron

IV. Fluorine: 7 valence electron

V. Gallium: 3 valence electron

We see that elements that have less than 4 valence electrons are Hydrogen, Helium, Iron, and Gallium.

Helium is a special case since it has a single energy level with two electrons, so it is a stable element and it will hardly become an ion. So, we do not take helium into account.

Therefore, the answer will be Hydrogen, Iron, and Gallium.

Answer: D. I, III, and V