0
It is an alkali metal (Group 1 element). So, it needs to lose one electron in order to form a full valence shell (the one beneath it). Full valence shells are more stable states.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How many electrons does sodium want to lose?
It wishes to lose 1 electron.
How is the reaction of lithium and water similar to the reaction of potassium and water?
Both lithium and potassium have only one electron in their outer electron shell (the valence shell). That's what makes them members of Group 1 of the periodic table, the Alkali metals. These elements want to loan out that one electron. When water is dumped on lithium (Li) or potassium (K), they will react to form the hydroxides, LiOH and KOH, respectively. Lithium and potassium take the OH- ion (the hydroxide ion) from water, and dump an electron on the hydrogen atom to create hydrogen gas. Here are the two (balanced) equations: 2Li + 2H2O => 2LiOH + H2 (gas) 2K+ 2H2O => 2KOH + H2 (gas)
How does the size of the anion compare to the size of the atom?
The size of a positive ion is smaller than the size of its neutral atom. This is because a positive ion has lost one or more electrons. Because there are less electrons than protons, the protons have a stronger pull on the electrons. Consequently, the protons pull the electrons in and the ionic radius decreases. In the case of the Lithium ion, it has lost one electron, so it is smaller than its neutral atom.
Which group of elements want to lose exactly one electron?
Group 1, also called group IA.
How does an element like sodium give up electrons and thereby become more stable?
Atoms want their valence orbitals to be completely filled with electrons. In the case of a sodium atom, there is only 1 electron in its outer orbital. Since sodium has electrons occupying all the molecular orbitals of the previous n shell, it is much easier to just give up the electron and form a complete orbital rather than obtain 7 more electrons to complete the orbital. In addition this would require the ion be a charge of negative 7 which is highly unstable in its own right. In the case of lithium hydrogen and helium, 2 electrons may fill the 1s orbital which is considered to be a full valence shell, lithium will lose an electron to gain the full 1s which hydrogen will gain an electron to fill its 1s orbital and helium will remain inert with the already required 2 electrons filling its 1s orbital.
Why does a lithium atom want to lose an electron?
Because lithium has a very low electronegativity.
What is the chemical symbol for ion with 3 protons 2 electrons?
look at the periodic table of elements. You want an Ion, which is why it has a different number of protons than electrons. It's atomic number must either be 3 or 2, right? those are the only numbers you have. So it must either be lithium or helium. So the question is, When an atom becomes an ion, does it lose an electron or gain a proton? If it loses the electron, it must be lithium, but if it gains a proton, it must be helium. good luck
How many electrons does sodium want to lose?
It wishes to lose 1 electron.
What does the nucleus of the one atom want to do to the electrons of a nearby atom?
If the nucleus is missing an atom, it will try to steel an electron from another atom.
What does the nucleus of one want to do to the electrons of a nearby atom?
If the nucleus is missing an atom, it will try to steel an electron from another atom.
How is the reaction of lithium and water similar to the reaction of potassium and water?
Both lithium and potassium have only one electron in their outer electron shell (the valence shell). That's what makes them members of Group 1 of the periodic table, the Alkali metals. These elements want to loan out that one electron. When water is dumped on lithium (Li) or potassium (K), they will react to form the hydroxides, LiOH and KOH, respectively. Lithium and potassium take the OH- ion (the hydroxide ion) from water, and dump an electron on the hydrogen atom to create hydrogen gas. Here are the two (balanced) equations: 2Li + 2H2O => 2LiOH + H2 (gas) 2K+ 2H2O => 2KOH + H2 (gas)
If an atom loses or gains an electron?
Atoms with high electronegativity will want to GAIN electrons. The goal is to be like the noble gases. So an atom of Fluorine, the most electronegative, will want to gain an electron in order to fill its shell and be like Neon.
How atoms gain electron?
when an any atoms want to achieved a state of nearest an inert atom, its gain electron
What does the nucleus of an atom want to do to its own electron?
The nucleus of an atom, having a positive charge, exerts an attractive force on the atom's negative electrons.
How does the size of the anion compare to the size of the atom?
The size of a positive ion is smaller than the size of its neutral atom. This is because a positive ion has lost one or more electrons. Because there are less electrons than protons, the protons have a stronger pull on the electrons. Consequently, the protons pull the electrons in and the ionic radius decreases. In the case of the Lithium ion, it has lost one electron, so it is smaller than its neutral atom.
What happens to an atom when it looses an electron?
If an atom loses an electron, its charge becomes a positive. (The process of losing an electron is called OXIDATION, by the way.) Depending on the electron configuration, the atom could become "happy" (because its outer ring is now empty) or it could want to bond with another atom to fill ALL of the spots on its outer electron ring.
What does the nucleus of one atom want to do to the electron of nearby atoms?
depends on the atom and how many electrons it needs to complete its outer shell. Elements like Oxygen, Florine i.e. the right side of the periodic tableexcludingthe noble gases, these elements want to take an electron off of the metal groups which are generally on the left side of the Periodic Table, the metal elements for example arePotassium, Magnesium etc. The metals want to lose an electron because they are closer to having an full outer shell if they get rid of 1 or two electrons
