8
QuizMultiple Choice

Elements

Question 8 • GA-GSE Physical Science A

A potassium atom (atomic number 19) loses an electron while forming a bond with another atom.

Answer
A
It is a negative ion that has one less valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.
B
It is a negative ion that has one more valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.
C
It is a positive ion that has one less valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.
D
It is a positive ion that has one more valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.

Explanation

A neutral potassium atom has one valence electron. When it loses that electron, it loses a negative charge and becomes a positive ion; it also has one fewer valence electron than the neutral atom. Therefore, the correct choice is “a positive ion that has one less valence electron than a neutral potassium atom.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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