Based on the location of each of the four elements in the periodic table, which statement correctly describes the change from a neutral atom of an element to its ion?

Question

Neutral Atom
loss of
electron(s)
+
Cation
gain of
electron(s)
Anion
a
A beryllium atom forms a Bet ion by losing two electrons.
• b An iodine atom forms an I' ion by losing one electron.
C
A nitrogen atom forms a Nº3 ion by gaining two electrons.
d
A lithium atom forms a Lit ion by gaining one electron.

Answer 1

The statements regarding the formation of ions from neutral atoms need to be evaluated based on the behavior of the elements in the periodic table:

a) A beryllium atom forms a Be²⁺ ion by losing two electrons.

• This statement is correct. Beryllium (Be) is in group 2 of the periodic table and typically loses two electrons to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration, forming a cation (Be²⁺).

b) An iodine atom forms an I⁻ ion by losing one electron.

• This statement is incorrect. Iodine (I) is in group 17 and typically gains one electron to form an anion (I⁻), not loses it.

c) A nitrogen atom forms a N³⁻ ion by gaining two electrons.

• This statement is incorrect. Nitrogen (N) is also in group 15, and it typically gains three electrons to form a N³⁻ ion. It does not gain only two electrons.

d) A lithium atom forms a Li⁺ ion by gaining one electron.

• This statement is incorrect. Lithium (Li) is in group 1 of the periodic table and typically loses one electron to form a cation (Li⁺), not gains it.

Conclusion: The correct statement is (a) "A beryllium atom forms a Be²⁺ ion by losing two electrons."