Question

which of the following elements is most likely to pair with fluorine in a 1:1 relationship based on valence electron trends?
magnesium (mg)
aluminum (al)
lithium (li)
zinc (zn)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine fluorine's valence electrons

Fluorine is in group 17 of the periodic table and has 7 valence electrons. It wants to gain 1 electron to achieve a stable octet.

Step2: Analyze each option's valence - electron situation

• Magnesium (Mg) is in group 2, has 2 valence electrons and forms a 2+ ion.
• Aluminum (Al) is in group 13, has 3 valence electrons and forms a 3+ ion.
• Lithium (Li) is in group 1, has 1 valence electron and forms a 1+ ion.
• Zinc (Zn) is in group 12, has 2 valence electrons and forms a 2+ ion.

Step3: Find the element for 1:1 pairing

Since fluorine wants to gain 1 electron and form a 1 - ion, an element that can lose 1 electron (a 1+ ion) will pair with it in a 1:1 relationship. Lithium (Li) can lose 1 electron to form Li+ and pair with F - in a 1:1 ratio.

Answer:

C. lithium (Li)