Question

When an atom has one to three electrons in its valence shell,

• A. it is likely to gain one or more electrons
• B. it is stable
• C. it is likely to lose one valence electron
• D. it will lose three electrons
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C it is likely to lose one valence electron

When an atom has one to three electrons in its valence shell, it loses one or more electrons to attain the stable electronic configuration of nearest noble gas. Since it loses negatively charged electrons, it becomes positively charged ion. Such positively charged ions are called cations.