Question 43

It is likely to lose one electron to form a positive ion.

Atoms with one valence electron tend to lose that electron easily during chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of positive ions. This characteristic is typical of alkali metals, which exhibit high reactivity due to their single valence electron.

A) It will resist forming any bonds due to a full outer shell.

This option is incorrect because an atom with one valence electron does not have a full outer shell; instead, it has a tendency to lose that electron. Atoms with full outer shells are typically inert and do not readily form bonds, which is not applicable here.

B) It has a high ionization energy and will not lose its electron easily.

This statement is also incorrect. Atoms with one valence electron generally have low ionization energies, making it easy for them to lose that electron. Therefore, they do not resist losing their valence electron; rather, they readily do so.

C) It is likely to lose one electron to form a positive ion.

This is the correct answer. Atoms with a single valence electron are predisposed to lose that electron in chemical reactions, allowing them to achieve a more stable electron configuration by forming positive ions.

D) It is unreactive.

This option is incorrect. An atom with one valence electron is highly reactive, particularly with elements that can accept that electron or have a tendency to gain electrons. Thus, it is not accurate to describe such an atom as unreactive.

Conclusion

The correct choice is C, as atoms with one valence electron are likely to lose that electron and form positive ions, which is a defining characteristic of their reactivity. Options A, B, and D fail to recognize the inherent reactivity associated with such atomic configurations, further emphasizing the validity of Option C.