Use the periodic table to answer the question.

Question

An illustration shows the periodic table of elements. The elements in the periodic table are arranged in groups (columns numbered 1 through 18) and periods (rows numbered 1 through 7) such that the atomic number increases along a period from left to right. The elements are divided into the following categories: · Alkali metals · Alkaline earth metals · Transition metals · Post-transition metals · Lanthanides · Actinides · Metalloids · Nonmetals · Noble gases · Unknown The elements are also classified on the basis of their physical states as follows: · Solid · Liquid · Gas · Unknown The element sulfur is enlarged with the following properties. · Chemical symbol: S · Name: Sulfur · Atomic Number: 16 · Atomic mass: 32.06 · Common oxidation states: 6, 4, 2, negative 2 · Electronegativity: 2.58 · Ionization energies: 999.589 · Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p4



Which element would most likely lose electrons to form positive ions when bonding with other elements?

(1 point)
Responses

iodine (I)
iodine (I)

gallium (Ga)
gallium (Ga)

rubidium (Rb)
rubidium (Rb)

argon (Ar)

Answer 1

To determine which element is most likely to lose electrons to form positive ions when bonding with other elements, we need to look at their position in the periodic table and their typical behavior in terms of ionization.

1. Iodine (I): Atomic number 53, located in Group 17 (halogens). Iodine typically gains electrons to form negative ions (anions).

2. Gallium (Ga): Atomic number 31, located in Group 13. Gallium can lose three electrons to form a +3 ion, so it has the potential to lose electrons and form positive ions.

3. Rubidium (Rb): Atomic number 37, located in Group 1 (alkali metals). Rubidium readily loses one electron to form a +1 ion, making it very likely to lose electrons.

4. Argon (Ar): Atomic number 18, located in Group 18 (noble gases). Argon is generally unreactive and does not form ions easily.

Among these options, rubidium (Rb) is the best choice because it is an alkali metal, which is characterized by its tendency to lose one electron to form a positive ion.