79.2k views
2 votes
Which element would most likely lose electrons to form positive ions when bonding with other elements

User Apekshit
by
7.2k points

2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

Elements that most likely lose electrons to form positive ions or cations are those in groups 1 and 2, known as the alkali and alkaline earth metals. Transition metals can also lose electrons to form positively charged ions but can exhibit variable charges.

Step-by-step explanation:

The element most likely to lose electrons to form positive ions, also known as cations, when bonding with other elements is typically found in groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table. These elements, such as sodium (Na) from group 1 and magnesium (Mg) from group 2, easily lose their outer s electrons due to their low ionization energy, leading to a positive charge equal to the group number. Transition metals also frequently lose electrons to form cations but can have multiple ionic charges, such as the Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions for iron.

Furthermore, moving from the far left to the right on the periodic table, main-group elements tend to form cations with a positive charge equal to their group number. For example, the alkali metals in group 1 will typically form 1+ ions, and the alkaline earth metals in group 2 will form 2+ ions. These elements are inclined to lose electrons due to their lower electronegativity and higher atomic radii compared to nonmetals.

User Pablouche
by
7.7k points
4 votes

Answer:

metals

Step-by-step explanation:

elements that are nonmetals tend to gain electrons and become negatively charged ions

User Cinta
by
6.8k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.