An atom with three electrons in its outermost shell will most likely form a X3+X^{3+}X3+ ion by losing those three valence electrons. This occurs because losing three electrons requires less energy than gaining five electrons to complete the octet, making the positively charged ion more stable energetically and electronically.
Reasoning for Ion Formation
- Atoms tend to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration, commonly achieved by having eight electrons in their outermost shell (the octet rule).
- For an atom with three valence electrons, reaching this stable state can be done either by losing the three electrons or gaining five more to fill the shell.
- Losing three electrons to form a 3+3+3+ cation involves less energy expenditure compared to gaining five electrons, so it is the more likely outcome.
Final Ion Likely Formed
- Ion formed: X3+X^{3+}X3+
- This is a positively charged ion (cation) due to the loss of three negatively charged electrons, leaving a net positive charge.
Thus, the atom X will most likely form the ion X3+X^{3+}X3+.
