Understanding Atomic Stability and Ion Formation

What characteristic makes an atom stable?

• Having an incomplete inner shell of electrons

• Having an equal number of protons and neutrons

• Having more protons than electrons

• Having a full valence shell of electrons

What happens to sodium when it loses an electron?

• It becomes a positively charged ion

• It gains a negative charge

• It becomes a neutral atom

• It loses a proton

Why does sodium become positively charged after losing an electron?

• It gains an extra neutron

• It has more electrons than protons

• It loses a proton

• It has more protons than electrons

How does fluorine achieve a stable electron configuration?

• By losing a neutron

• By gaining an electron

• By gaining a proton

• By losing an electron

What charge does fluorine have after gaining an electron?

• Positive 1

• Negative 1

• Positive 2

• Neutral