Which of the following neutral atoms would be most likely to lose an electron and become a cation of +1?

• A. A.
• B. B.
• C. C.
• D. D.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the number of electrons in the outermost shell (valence electrons) for each atom (A, B, C, and D) from the electron shell diagrams.
2. Step 2: Recall that atoms with fewer valence electrons tend to lose electrons more easily to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
3. Step 3: Analyze each atom's valence electrons: Atom A has 1 valence electron, B has 3, C has 5, and D has 7 valence electrons.
4. Step 4: Understand that atoms with 1 valence electron (like Atom A) are most likely to lose that electron to form a +1 cation because losing one electron results in a stable, full outer shell.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the atom most likely to lose an electron and become a +1 cation is the one with a single valence electron, which is Atom A.