If the following generic atom were to undergo ionization, what would be the charge of most likely product?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This question requires knowledge of the periodic table and the electron configuration of atoms. The generic atom has 11 protons in its nucleus, which makes it sodium (Na) on the periodic table. If sodium were to undergo ionization, it would lose one electron from its outermost shell, which has one electron. Losing an electron would leave sodium with 11 protons and 10 electrons, giving it a net charge of +1. However, the question asks for the charge of the most likely product, not the charge of the product in the ideal circumstance. In reality, an ion could be formed by losing more or fewer electrons than expected, which could alter its net charge. In this case, the most likely product is one that loses all three electrons from its outermost shell, which would give it a net charge of -3. Therefore, the answer is B, -3.

If the Following Generic Atom Were to Undergo Ionization, What