Question

For each of the following metals, how many electrons will the metal atoms lose when the metal reacts with a nonmetal? a. sodium b. potassium c. magnesium d. barium e. aluminum

Short answer

When the given metals react with nonmetals, they will lose the following number of electrons to form positive ions (cations): a. Sodium (Na): 1 electron b. Potassium (K): 1 electron c. Magnesium (Mg): 2 electrons d. Barium (Ba): 2 electrons e. Aluminum (Al): 3 electrons

Step-by-step solution

a. Sodium

: Sodium (Na) is found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has 1 valence electron. When reacting with a nonmetal, it will lose this valence electron and form a +1 cation. Therefore, sodium will lose 1 electron when reacting with a non-metal.

b. Potassium

: Potassium (K) is also found in Group 1 of the periodic table, meaning it has 1 valence electron similar to sodium. As a Group 1 element, potassium will lose its single valence electron when reacting with a nonmetal, forming a +1 cation. Thus, potassium will lose 1 electron when reacting with a non-metal.

c. Magnesium

: Magnesium (Mg) is a Group 2 element in the periodic table, which means it has 2 valence electrons. When reacting with a nonmetal, magnesium will lose both of its valence electrons, forming a +2 cation. Therefore, magnesium will lose 2 electrons when reacting with a non-metal.

d. Barium

: Barium (Ba) is another Group 2 element in the periodic table, meaning it also possesses 2 valence electrons. When reacting with a nonmetal, barium will lose both of its valence electrons, forming a +2 cation like magnesium. Thus, barium will lose 2 electrons when reacting with a non-metal.

e. Aluminum

: Aluminum (Al) is located in Group 13 of the periodic table, which indicates that it has 3 valence electrons. When reacting with a nonmetal, aluminum will lose all 3 of its valence electrons to form a +3 cation. Therefore, aluminum will lose 3 electrons when reacting with a non-metal.