Question

233. Group VII elements are strong non-metals because they can easily accept an electron to form an anion whereas group I elements are strong metals because they can very easily lose one electron to form a cation. Metals have the tendency to lose their valence electrons and form positive ions, so metallic character is related to the ionization potential. Elements having low ionization potential, lose easily. Thus, a metallic character generally decreases across a period and increases down a group.

Group 1 and Group 2 elements are considered strong metals because

• A. they have an incomplete octet
• B. they can easily gain electrons.
• C. they can easily lose electrons
• D. they form anions

Answer 1

The correct option is C

they can easily lose electrons

Explanation for the correct option

(C) Metals tend to lose their valence electrons and form positive ions called cations.

The number of valence electrons determines the group of an element and vice versa.

So, the number of valence electrons in group 1 and group 2 are 1 and 2 respectively.

Thus, Group 1 and Group 2 elements are considered strong metals because they can easily lose electrons and form cations.

• Hence, option (C) is correct.