Question

the structure of a potassium atom is shown above. what kind of ion is it most likely to form? a a positive ion, because it will gain seven electrons b a positive ion, because it will give up an electron c a negative ion, because it will give up an electron d a negative ion, because it will gain an electron

Explanation:

Potassium (K) is an alkali metal in Group 1 of the periodic table. Atoms in Group 1 have one valence electron. To achieve a stable electron configuration (like the noble gases), they tend to give up this one valence electron. When an atom gives up an electron, it has more protons than electrons, resulting in a positive charge. A positive ion is called a cation.

• Option A: Incorrect. Potassium does not gain seven electrons. Gaining electrons would make it a negative ion (anion), and it doesn't need to gain that many to be stable.
• Option B: Correct. As explained above, potassium gives up one electron to form a positive ion.
• Option C: Incorrect. Giving up an electron makes it a positive ion, not a negative one.
• Option D: Incorrect. Potassium gives up, not gains, an electron to form an ion.

Answer:

B. A positive ion, because it will give up an electron