Question

figure 2: a bohr model of a potassium atom. which electron in a potassium atom is most likely to leave the atom? justify your answer using the model above.

Explanation:

In the Bohr model, electrons in the outermost shell (valence electrons) are less strongly attracted to the nucleus compared to inner - shell electrons. For a potassium atom, the outermost electron has the highest energy and is farthest from the positively - charged nucleus. The electrostatic force of attraction between the nucleus and the outermost electron is weaker than for inner electrons.

Answer:

The outermost electron in a potassium atom is most likely to leave the atom. This is because, as shown in the Bohr model, it is farthest from the positively - charged nucleus, so the electrostatic force of attraction between the nucleus and this electron is the weakest among all the electrons in the atom.