Question

a potassium atom (atomic number 19) loses an electron while forming a bond with another atom. which best describes the potassium ion that forms? it is a negative ion that has one less valence electron than a neutral potassium atom it is a negative ion that has one more valence electron than a neutral potassium atom. it is a positive ion that has one less valence electron than a neutral potassium atom it is a positive ion that has one more valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.

Explanation:

When an atom loses an electron, it forms a positive ion (cation) because it has more protons than electrons. A neutral potassium atom has 1 valence electron. Losing that 1 valence electron means the potassium ion has one less valence electron than the neutral atom.

Answer:

It is a positive ion that has one less valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.