Which of the following elements will gain an electron to become an anion?
Ca
B
F
F is the answer. What problem are you having with this. You should be able to look at the periodic table and know. Tell me what trouble you are having. perhaps I can help.
To determine which of the given elements will gain an electron to become an anion, we need to consider their positions in the periodic table.
An anion is a negatively charged ion that forms when an atom gains one or more electrons. When determining whether an element will gain or lose electrons, we can look at its position in the periodic table.
First, let's examine calcium (Ca), which is located in Group 2 of the periodic table. Elements in Group 2, known as the alkaline earth metals, have two valence electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration, these elements tend to lose their two valence electrons and form cations with a +2 charge, rather than gaining electrons.
Next, we have boron (B), which is located in Group 13 of the periodic table. Boron has three valence electrons. While it is possible for boron to gain an electron and form an anion, it is less likely because elements in Group 13 generally lose three electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Finally, we have fluorine (F), which is located in Group 17 of the periodic table. Fluorine has seven valence electrons. By gaining one additional electron, fluorine can achieve a stable electron configuration of eight valence electrons, filling its outermost energy level. Therefore, fluorine is most likely to gain an electron and form an anion with a charge of -1.
In conclusion, among the given elements, fluorine (F) is the most likely to gain an electron to become an anion.