Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Determine sulfur's valence electrons

Sulfur (S) is in Group 16, it has 6 valence electrons and wants to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable - octet configuration.

Step2: Analyze each option's valence electrons

• Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2, it has 2 valence electrons and readily loses 2 electrons to form a + 2 ion.
• Sodium (Na) is in Group 1, it has 1 valence electron and loses 1 electron to form a + 1 ion.
• Aluminum (Al) is in Group 13, it has 3 valence electrons and loses 3 electrons to form a + 3 ion.
• Lithium (Li) is in Group 1, it has 1 valence electron and loses 1 electron to form a + 1 ion.

Step3: Find the element for 1:1 ratio

Magnesium, which loses 2 electrons, can pair with sulfur (which gains 2 electrons) in a 1:1 ratio to form magnesium sulfide (MgS).

Answer:

magnesium (Mg)