Question

Elements$X,Y,$ and $Z$ have atomic numbers $6,9$ and $11$ respectively. Which one will form a cation?

• A. $X$
• B. $Y$
• C. $Z$
• D. Both $A$ and $B$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$Z$

Atomic number of $X$ is $6$ and electronic configuration is: $2,4$
Atomic number of $Y$ is $9$ and electronic configuration is: $2,7$
Atomic number of$Z$ is $12$ and electronic configuration is:$2,8,1$
$Y$ is one electron short of stable completely filled configuration and thus readily accepts one electron to form an anion whereas $Z$ can lose $1$ electrons easily and form a cation. Hence, $Z$ is the answer. Losing $4$ electrons is very difficult for $X.X$ will not form a cation.