What tend to lose electrons from their valence shells when they become ions?

What tend to lose electrons from their valence shells when they become ions?

• A. Nonmetals
• B. Metalloids
• C. Noble gases
• D. Metals

Answer: (D)

Metals tend to lose electrons from their outermost shell when they form ions. This happens because metals have relatively low ionization energy, so their valence electrons are held less tightly. By shedding these electrons, a metal atom becomes a positively charged ion and moves toward the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, gaining stability. Nonmetals, on the other hand, usually gain electrons to complete their valence shell, while noble gases already have full valence shells and resist forming ions under normal conditions. Metalloids can show mixed behavior depending on the particular element and circumstances.

Metals tend to lose electrons from their outermost shell when they form ions. This happens because metals have relatively low ionization energy, so their valence electrons are held less tightly. By shedding these electrons, a metal atom becomes a positively charged ion and moves toward the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, gaining stability. Nonmetals, on the other hand, usually gain electrons to complete their valence shell, while noble gases already have full valence shells and resist forming ions under normal conditions. Metalloids can show mixed behavior depending on the particular element and circumstances.