What does this mean for the ability of these atoms to hold onto an electron as you go from lithium to potassium?

A. It increases.
B. It decreases.
C. It remains the same.
D. No electrons can be lost.
E. No ions are formed.

Lithium has only one electron in its valence shell, and it easily loses it to form a cation with a 1+ charge. As you move towards potassium, the number of protons increases, making the positive charge of the nucleus stronger.

This makes it more difficult for potassium to hold onto its one valence electron, resulting in it being more likely to donate it and form a cation with a 1+ charge.

Therefore, the correct answer is B) It decreases.

Learn more about Cation here:

https://brainly.com/question/3527118

#SPJ11

What does this mean for the ability of these atoms to hold onto an electron as you go from lithium to potassium?A. It increases.B. It decreases.C. It remains the same.D. No electrons can be lost.E. No ions are formed.

Answer :

Final answer:

Explanation:

Other Questions

What does this mean for the ability of these atoms to hold onto an electron as you go from lithium to potassium?

A. It increases.
B. It decreases.
C. It remains the same.
D. No electrons can be lost.
E. No ions are formed.