Question

1. a student plots the ionic charges of main - group elements versus their group numbers and observes the following pattern: • groups 1 - 3: form positive ions with charges equal to group number • groups 15 - 17: form negative ions with charges equal to (group number - 18) • group 18: generally do not form ions which explanation best accounts for this pattern? elements form ions to achieve the same electron configuration as the nearest noble gas. elements form ions to achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas. elements form ions to minimize the repulsion between their valence electrons. elements form ions to maximize the attraction between positive and negative charges.

Explanation:

Elements strive to achieve a stable electron - configuration, which is the electron - configuration of the nearest noble gas. Main - group elements in groups 1 - 3 lose electrons to have the electron - configuration of the previous noble gas, forming positive ions. Groups 15 - 17 gain electrons to have the electron - configuration of the next noble gas, forming negative ions. Group 18 elements already have a stable noble - gas electron - configuration and generally do not form ions.

Answer:

Elements form ions to achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.