Question

Which of the following atomic number will most likely form an anion?

• A. $13$
• B. $18$
• C. $12$
• D. $17$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $17$

The electronic configuration of atomic number $13$ is $2,8,3$. It is more likely to lose three electrons to become a positively charged ion i.e cation.

The electronic configuration of atomic number $18$ is $2,8,8$. It will neither lose nor gain electrons as it has a stable configuration (octet state). So, it will not form an ion.

The electronic configuration of atomic number $12$ is $2,8,2$. It will easily lose two electrons to become a positively charged ion i.e cation.

The electronic configuration of atomic number $17$ is $2,8,7$. It will easily accept one electron to become a negatively charged ion i.e anion.