Which of the following statements is true? When the potassium atom forms its ion
A. it gains one electron and becomes neutral B. its atomic number decreases C. it achieves electronic configuration of orgon D. it loses one proton E. it loses one neutron
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
- When a potassium (K) atom forms a potassium ion (K⁺), it loses one electron. Potassium has an atomic number of 19, so its electron configuration in the neutral state is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s¹.
- By losing one electron, the potassium ion (K⁺) achieves the electron configuration of argon (Ar), which has an atomic number of 18 and a stable electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶.
The other options are incorrect because: - A: Potassium loses one electron, not gains. - B: The atomic number of potassium doesn't decrease; it stays the same at 19. - D: Potassium does not lose a proton to form the ion. - E: The number of neutrons in the atom doesn't change when it becomes an ion.
