Question

which statement correctly compares an atom of an alkali metal with an atom of the alkaline earth metal next to it on the periodic table?
the alkali metal atom forms a +1 ion, while the alkaline earth metal atom forms a +2 ion.
the alkali metal atom forms a +2 ion, while the alkaline earth metal atom forms a +1 ion.
the alkali metal atom has one less shell of electrons than the atom of the alkaline earth metal.
the alkali metal atom has one more shell of electrons than the atom of the alkaline earth metal.

Explanation:

• Alkali metals (Group 1) have 1 valence electron and tend to lose it to form \(+1\) ions.
• Alkaline earth metals (Group 2) have 2 valence electrons and tend to lose them to form \(+2\) ions.
• Alkali and alkaline earth metals in the same period have the same number of electron shells.

Answer:

The alkali metal atom forms a +1 ion, while the alkaline earth metal atom forms a +2 ion.