What is the most likely behavior of an atom with 1 to 3 valence electrons?

• A. It shares its valence electrons equally with other atoms to form covalent bonds.
• B. It remains chemically inert and does not react.
• C. It tends to gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).
• D. It tends to lose its valence electrons to form positive ions (cations).

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms with 1 to 3 valence electrons are typically metals or elements that are more likely to lose electrons rather than gain them.
2. Recall that atoms tend to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas, by either losing, gaining, or sharing electrons.
3. For atoms with 1 to 3 valence electrons, losing these electrons results in a full outer shell from the next lower energy level, which is energetically favorable.
4. Losing electrons causes the atom to become a positively charged ion, called a cation, because it now has more protons than electrons.
5. Therefore, the most likely behavior of such atoms is to lose their valence electrons and form cations, rather than sharing electrons equally, remaining inert, or gaining electrons.