Which element is most likely to form a cation with a +1 charge?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which element is most likely to form a cation with a +1 charge?
Magnesium
Potassium
Calcium
Aluminum
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which element is most likely to form a cation with a +1 charge?
Step 1: Understand what a cation is. A cation is a positively charged ion that forms when an atom loses one or more electrons.
Step 2: Identify the group of elements that commonly form cations. Alkali metals, which are found in Group 1 of the periodic table, typically form cations.
Step 3: Recognize that alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell. This makes it easy for them to lose that electron and form a +1 charge.
Step 4: Look at the specific element in question. Potassium (K) is an alkali metal.
Step 5: Conclude that potassium will lose its one outer electron to form a cation with a +1 charge.