(a) Which elements are most likely to form ionic compounds? (b) Which metallic elements are most likely to form cations with different charges?

Short Answer

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(a) Elements most likely to form ionic compounds are those in Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 7 (halogens). (b) Metallic elements most likely to form cations with different charges are found within the transition metals in groups 3-12 of the Periodic Table.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Ionic Compound Forming Elements

In the Periodic Table of the Elements, elements are organized into groups and periods. Elements in Group 1 (the alkali metals) and Group 7 (the halogens) are the most likely to form ionic compounds. This is because alkali metals have one electron in their outermost shell that they wish to lose, while halogens have seven electrons in their outermost shell and wish to gain one. When these elements come into contact, the alkali metals give their electron to the halogens leading to the formation of an ionic compound.
02

Identify Elements with Multiple Oxidation States

Metallic elements that are most likely to form cations with different charges are the transition metals. These elements are found in groups 3-12 on the periodic table. They tend to have multiple oxidation states because they have d-orbitals where they can lose electrons from. Examples of these elements include Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Gold (Au), which can all exist in multiple oxidation states, meaning they can form cations with different charges.

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