Question

question 38
an atom with the atomic number 9 would most likely:
a lose 7 electrons
b none of these
c gain 1 electron
d gain 4 electrons
e lose 1 electron

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the element

The atomic number \(Z = 9\) corresponds to fluorine (\(F\)).

Step2: Analyze electron configuration

Fluorine has an electron configuration of \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{5}\). It needs 1 more electron to achieve a stable noble - gas configuration (\(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}\) like neon). Gaining 1 electron is easier than losing 7 electrons (to get to \(1s^{2}\)) or losing 1 electron (which would leave it with \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{4}\), less stable) or gaining 4 electrons (which would be a large number of electrons to gain).

Answer:

C. gain 1 electron