Answered

An atom X has three electrons in its outermost shell. Which ion will most likely be formed by X?

A. X2-

B. X3-

C. X2+

D. X3+

Answer :

Answer: X3+

Explanation:

Every atom aim to achieve stability by receiving electrons or giving their valence electrons in order to have a complete outermost shell of 2 (duplet) or 8 (octet structure).

In this case, the atom X will easily give off its three valence electrons to another atom(s), thereby forming a trivalent positive ion (X3+) with a stable duplet or octet structure (i.e an outermost shell with 2 or 8 electrons).

X --> X3+ + 3e-

Thus, due to the give away of three electrons (3e-), the atom X becomes X3+.

Oseni

An atom with three electrons in its outermost shell will most likely form an [tex]X^{3+}[/tex] ion. D would be the right option.

If an atom X has 3 electrons in its outermost shell, two scenarios are possible for such an atom to form an ion and be in a stable or octet state.

  1. It may gain 5 electrons in addition to the 3 valence electrons and form an [tex]X^{5-}[/tex] ion
  2. It may do away with the 3 valence electrons and form an  [tex]X^{3+}[/tex]  ion.

By gaining 5 electrons, an ion with 5 negative charges would result to indicate the electrons gained. On the other hand, by giving away 3 electrons, an ion with 3 positive charges would be formed to indicate that 3 electrons have been donated.

More on ion formation can be found here: https://brainly.com/question/305470

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