Which correctly describes the change from a neutral atom of an element to its ion

Question

A Lithium atom forms a L * i ^ 1 ion by losing one electron.
A magnesium atom forms a M * g ^ 2 ion by gaining three electrons.
A fluorine atom forms a F ^ - 1 ion by losing one electron.
A phosphorus atom forms a P ^ - 3 ion by losing three electrons.

Answer 1

Let's analyze each statement to identify which correctly describes the change from a neutral atom to its ion:

1. A Lithium atom forms a \( \text{Li}^{+1} \) ion by losing one electron.
   This statement is correct. Lithium (Li) has three electrons in its neutral state. When it loses one electron, it forms a \( \text{Li}^{+1} \) ion.

2. A magnesium atom forms a \( \text{Mg}^{2} \) ion by gaining three electrons.
   This statement is incorrect. Magnesium (Mg) has 12 electrons in its neutral state, and it typically loses two electrons to form a \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \) ion.

3. A fluorine atom forms a \( \text{F}^{-1} \) ion by losing one electron.
   This statement is incorrect. Fluorine (F) has 9 electrons in its neutral state and gains one electron to form \( \text{F}^{-1} \).

4. A phosphorus atom forms a \( \text{P}^{-3} \) ion by losing three electrons.
   This statement is incorrect. Phosphorus (P) has 15 electrons in its neutral state and typically gains three electrons to form a \( \text{P}^{-3} \) ion.

In summary, the only correct statement is the first one:
A Lithium atom forms a \( \text{Li}^{+1} \) ion by losing one electron.