Question

Which of the following is a favourable factor for cation formation ?

• A. Low ionization potential
• B. High electron affinity
• C. High electronegativity
• D. Small atomic size

Answer 1

The correct option is A Low ionization potential

Ionization energy is the amount of energy, which is required to remove the most loosely bound electron(s) from an isolated gaseous atom to form a positive ion. In forming an ionic bond, one atom must form a cation by losing one or more electrons. In general, elements having low ionization energies have a more favorable chance to form a cation, thereby having a greater tendency to form ionic bonds. Thus, lower ionization energy of metallic elements favors the formation of an ionic bond. It is because of low ionization energy that the alkali and alkaline earth metals, form ionic compounds.

Option A is the correct answer.