Question

What will an atom do if it has 1 to 3 valence electrons?

move electrons to a lower shell

move electrons to a higher shell

accepts (gains) electrons

donates (loses) electrons

Answer 1

donates (loses) electrons

Step-by-step explanation:

Atoms are most stable when they have zero valence electrons (full octets) and have the same electron configuration as the Noble Gases.

Atoms that have 1-3 valence electrons are most likely to donate them to reach this stable configuration.

An example is Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron, as it is group one of the periodic table, and it often forms as a positive cation (Na+1) by donating its valence electron.