Multiple Choice
What neutral atom is isoelectronic with Fe²⁺?
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which best describes the potassium ion that forms when potassium loses an electron?
A
A positively charged ion with a charge of +1
B
A negatively charged ion with a charge of -1
C
A neutral atom with no charge
D
A positively charged ion with a charge of +2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element in question: Potassium (K). Potassium is an alkali metal located in Group 1 of the periodic table.
Understand the electronic configuration of a neutral potassium atom. Potassium has an atomic number of 19, which means it has 19 electrons. Its electronic configuration is: \( \text{K: } 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^1 \).
Recognize that potassium, being in Group 1, tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration, similar to argon (Ar).
When potassium loses one electron, it loses the electron in the 4s orbital, resulting in the configuration: \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 \), which is the same as argon.
Since losing an electron results in more protons than electrons, the potassium ion becomes positively charged with a charge of +1, making it a cation: \( \text{K}^+ \).
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