Question

determine the most likely ion to form.
a. will al gain or lose electrons when forming an ion?
gain
lose
what is the formula of the ion it will create?
b. will k gain or lose electrons when forming an ion?
gain
lose
what is the formula of the ion it will create?
c. will as gain or lose electrons when forming an ion?
gain
lose
what is the formula of the ion it will create?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze aluminum's valence electrons

Aluminum (Al) is in group 13 of the periodic table and has 3 valence electrons. Metals tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable - electron configuration. So, Al will lose electrons.

Step2: Determine the ion formula

When Al loses 3 electrons, it forms a cation with a + 3 charge. The ion formula is $Al^{3 + }$.

Step3: Analyze potassium's valence electrons

Potassium (K) is in group 1 of the periodic table and has 1 valence electron. Metals tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable - electron configuration. So, K will lose electrons.

Step4: Determine the ion formula

When K loses 1 electron, it forms a cation with a + 1 charge. The ion formula is $K^{+}$.

Step5: Analyze arsenic's valence electrons

Arsenic (As) is in group 15 of the periodic table and has 5 valence electrons. Non - metals tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable - electron configuration. So, As will gain electrons.

Step6: Determine the ion formula

When As gains 3 electrons, it forms an anion with a - 3 charge. The ion formula is $As^{3 - }$.

Answer:

a. lose; $Al^{3 + }$
b. lose; $K^{+}$
c. gain; $As^{3 - }$