Question

group 1 elements (not including hydrogen) are called alkali metals. when exposed to air, pure alkali metals react quickly to form ionic compounds. therefore, they must be stored in oil or in sealed containers to prevent contact with air.

pure rubidium (top) and cesium (bottom) stored in sealed tubes to prevent exposure to air

complete the statement.

to produce stable ions, alkali metals electron(s) to form ions with a charge.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall alkali metals' electron configuration

Alkali metals (Group 1) have 1 valence electron. To achieve a stable noble - gas electron configuration, they tend to lose electrons.

Step2: Determine the number of electrons lost

Since they have 1 valence electron, they lose 1 electron.

Step3: Determine the charge of the ion

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a cation. The charge of the ion is equal to the number of electrons lost (since the number of protons remains the same and there is one less electron). So, losing 1 electron gives the ion a +1 (positive one) charge.

Answer:

To produce stable ions, alkali metals \(\boldsymbol{lose}\) \(\boldsymbol{1}\) electron(s) to form ions with a \(\boldsymbol{+1}\) (or positive one) charge.