Question

when lithium forms an ion, it will most likely gain 1 electron to become li⁻. lose 1 electron to become li⁺.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze lithium's electron - configuration

Lithium has an atomic number of 3, with an electron - configuration of 1s²2s¹.

Step2: Determine ion - formation

It will lose its outer - shell (2s¹) electron to achieve a stable noble - gas configuration (like helium). When it loses 1 electron, it forms a positively charged ion, Li⁺.

Answer:

lose 1 electron to become Li⁺