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Chapter 7: Problem 59

Discussing this chapter, a classmate says, "An element that commonly forms a cation is a metal." Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.

Short Answer

Expert verified
I agree with the statement "An element that commonly forms a cation is a metal." This is because metals have a tendency to lose their valence electrons due to their electron configuration, which results in the formation of positive ions or cations. For example, sodium (Na) loses one electron to form a sodium cation (Na+), and magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons to form a magnesium cation (Mg2+). Therefore, it is true that metals commonly form cations.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding cations

A cation is a positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons. This process is called ionization. Elements can form cations by losing electrons, which increases their overall positive charge.
02

Understanding metals

Metals are elements that have some characteristic properties such as being shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. In general, metals have one to three electrons in their outermost energy levels (valence electrons). These electrons have a relatively weak attachment to their nucleus, which makes it easier for metals to lose electrons and form cations.
03

Determining if metals commonly form cations

Metals, due to their properties and electron configuration, have a tendency to lose their valence electrons, which results in the formation of positive ions or cations. For example, sodium (Na) loses one electron to form a sodium cation (Na+), and magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons to form a magnesium cation (Mg2+). Therefore, it is true that an element that commonly forms a cation is a metal.
04

Conclusion

We agree with the statement "An element that commonly forms a cation is a metal," as metals tend to lose their valence electrons due to their electron configuration, forming cations in the process.

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