Question

which of the atoms shown would most likely to form a cation with a charge of +1?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall cation - formation principle

Atoms form a + 1 cation by losing one electron. Atoms with 1 valence electron are most likely to do this.

Step2: Identify valence - electron number

We need to count the number of electrons in the outermost shell of each atom shown in the diagrams. The atom with 1 electron in its outermost shell will most likely form a + 1 cation.

Answer:

The atom with 1 valence electron (the one where there is only 1 dot in the outermost electron - shell diagram)