Which of the following atoms is most likely to become a cation?

Rationale

Potassium, atomic number 19, is most likely to become a cation.

Potassium has a single electron in its outermost shell, making it highly inclined to lose that electron and form a positively charged ion (cation). This tendency is due to its position in Group 1 of the periodic table, where elements readily lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

A (Potassium, atomic number 19) CORRECT

Potassium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has one valence electron. Its low ionization energy allows it to easily lose this electron, resulting in the formation of a cation with a charge of +1. This characteristic makes potassium one of the most reactive metals, especially with nonmetals.

B (Oxygen, atomic number 8) YOUR ANSWER

Oxygen has six electrons in its outer shell and requires two additional electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration. While it tends to gain electrons to form anions (negatively charged ions), it is not likely to lose electrons to become a cation, as its electron affinity encourages the opposite behavior.

C (Fluorine, atomic number 9) YOUR ANSWER

Fluorine has seven electrons in its outer shell and is highly electronegative, meaning it readily gains an electron to complete its octet and form a -1 anion. Similar to oxygen, fluorine is more likely to gain electrons rather than lose them, making it unfavorable for it to become a cation.

D (Helium, atomic number 2) YOUR ANSWER

Helium is a noble gas with a complete outer shell of two electrons, which makes it chemically inert and very stable. Noble gases do not easily gain or lose electrons, so helium is not likely to form a cation under normal conditions.

Conclusion

Potassium's propensity to lose its single valence electron to form a cation distinguishes it from the other options, which either gain electrons or are stable due to complete electron shells. Understanding the likelihood of an atom becoming a cation is crucial in predicting its chemical behavior and reactivity in various reactions.

Which of the following atoms is most likely to become a cation?

Potassium, atomic number 19, is most likely to become a cation.

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