Question

question 5 (5 points)
which of the following statements about metal elements is correct?
a) metal elements are always heavier than non - metal elements.
b) metals tend to easily lose their valence electrons.
c) metals tend to easily gain more valence electrons.
d) a metal atom can take an electron from a non - metal atom.

Explanation:

• Option A: There are non - metals like iodine which are heavier than some metals like lithium, so metal elements are not always heavier than non - metal elements.
• Option B: Metals have low ionization energy, which means they tend to easily lose their valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
• Option C: Metals have relatively few valence electrons (usually 1 - 3) and a tendency to lose them rather than gain more, as gaining electrons would not lead to a stable configuration easily.
• Option D: Metal atoms have a tendency to lose electrons and non - metal atoms have a tendency to gain electrons. So a metal atom is more likely to lose an electron to a non - metal atom rather than take an electron from it.

Answer:

B) Metals tend to easily lose their valence electrons.