Which statement best describes how valence electrons influence ion formation?

Which statement best describes how valence electrons influence ion formation?

• A. Valence electrons are always gained by metals.
• B. Valence electrons are always lost by nonmetals.
• C. Valence electrons can be gained or lost to reach a stable configuration.
• D. Valence electrons do not participate in bonding.

Answer: (C)

Valence electrons control how ions form: atoms adjust their outer electrons to reach a full, stable outer shell. In practice, metals tend to lose valence electrons to become positively charged ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to become negatively charged ions. This chasing of a complete outer shell explains why ions form in the first place. The statement that valence electrons can be gained or lost to reach a stable configuration captures both possibilities, making it the best description. It recognizes that the exact action depends on the element: losing electrons for metals, gaining electrons for nonmetals, all aimed at achieving a filled outer shell. The other ideas are too absolute—metals don’t always gain electrons, nonmetals don’t always lose them, and valence electrons clearly participate in bonding.

Valence electrons control how ions form: atoms adjust their outer electrons to reach a full, stable outer shell. In practice, metals tend to lose valence electrons to become positively charged ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to become negatively charged ions. This chasing of a complete outer shell explains why ions form in the first place.

The statement that valence electrons can be gained or lost to reach a stable configuration captures both possibilities, making it the best description. It recognizes that the exact action depends on the element: losing electrons for metals, gaining electrons for nonmetals, all aimed at achieving a filled outer shell. The other ideas are too absolute—metals don’t always gain electrons, nonmetals don’t always lose them, and valence electrons clearly participate in bonding.