Multiple Choice
What is the charge of the ammonium ion (NH_4)?
3
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following is the most stable monatomic ion formed from caesium?
A
Cs^{2+}
B
Cs^{3+}
C
Cs^+
D
Cs^-
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that caesium (Cs) is an alkali metal located in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has one electron in its outermost shell (valence shell).
Understand that atoms tend to form ions to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration. For caesium, losing one electron results in the electron configuration of xenon, a noble gas.
Evaluate the possible ions: Cs^{2+} and Cs^{3+} would require removing two or three electrons, respectively, which is energetically unfavorable because caesium only has one valence electron to lose easily.
Consider Cs^+ which forms by losing one electron, achieving a stable noble gas configuration, making it the most stable monatomic ion for caesium.
Recognize that Cs^- (gaining an electron) is unlikely because caesium is a metal and metals typically lose electrons rather than gain them to form stable ions.
Related Videos
Related Practice
