Question

metal atoms have a tendency to form ______ by losing its valence electron.
A) an anion
B) a cation
C) an anion - cation
D) none of these​

Answer 1

Answer:

a cation

Explanation:

neutral sodium atom is likely to achieve an octet in its outermost shell by losing its one valence electron.

Na→Na++e−(4.7.1)

The cation produced in this way, Na+, is called the sodium ion to distinguish it from the element. The outermost shell of the sodium ion is the second electron shell, which has eight electrons in it. The octet rule has been satisfied. Figure 4.7.1 is a graphical depiction of this process.