Question
A particular atom becomes more energetically stable when it loses a single electron. It is most likely an atom of which of the following elements? (2 points)
Group of answer choices
Magnesium (Mg)
Cesium (Cs)
Fluorine (F)
Boron (B)
Group of answer choices
Magnesium (Mg)
Cesium (Cs)
Fluorine (F)
Boron (B)
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
An atom that becomes more energetically stable when it loses a single electron is typically one that is in Group 1 of the periodic table, as losing one electron allows it to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to that of the nearest noble gas.
In this case, among the options provided:
- **Magnesium (Mg)**: It is in Group 2 and would lose two electrons to become stable.
- **Cesium (Cs)**: It is in Group 1 and losing one electron would indeed make it more stable (it would become Cs⁺).
- **Fluorine (F)**: It gains an electron to achieve stability, not loses one.
- **Boron (B)**: It doesn't achieve stability by losing a single electron; it typically shares electrons in covalent bonding.
Therefore, the correct answer is **Cesium (Cs)**.
In this case, among the options provided:
- **Magnesium (Mg)**: It is in Group 2 and would lose two electrons to become stable.
- **Cesium (Cs)**: It is in Group 1 and losing one electron would indeed make it more stable (it would become Cs⁺).
- **Fluorine (F)**: It gains an electron to achieve stability, not loses one.
- **Boron (B)**: It doesn't achieve stability by losing a single electron; it typically shares electrons in covalent bonding.
Therefore, the correct answer is **Cesium (Cs)**.