The alkali metals and the alkali earth metals are the the first columns appearing the periodic table. Each of the elements found in these groups has the ability to lose electrons, thus making them cations (they become positively charged by losing a negative charge).
However, all elements need to have a complete valence shell, which means that their outermost electron shell must be full. Any deficiency or excess of electrons in their outermost ring will make the elements either lose the excess electrons or gain more in order to completely fill their outermost electron shell.
Hydrogen, which is the first element in the periodic table, has only 1 electron. If Hydgrogen donates this electron, it becomes known as a proton, usually denoted as H+. If you are writing out equations, H+ will work fine. Remember, with only one electron, a Hydrogen atom is only composed of one electron and one proton.
Other than Hydrogen, almost no element will completely lose all of its electrons.
2006-11-29 09:07:24
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answer #1
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answered by Will 2
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An ion is helpful whilst it loses electrons because of the fact in dropping the electrons, the atom has extra protons than electrons, which potential there's a internet useful charge. the choice is actual whilst an atom positive aspects electrons. considering electrons are destructive, an atom that positive aspects electrons has a internet destructive charge.
2016-12-14 09:07:26
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answer #2
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answered by pfeifer 4
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Just answered it in your other post, but perhaps this: Oxidation-reduction is a chemical reaction in which an atom or ion loses electrons to another atom or ion.
2006-11-29 08:53:01
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answer #3
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answered by M C 3
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