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JAMB Chemistry 1979 Question 11

Question 11

Atomic Structure

Which of the following statements is true? When the potassium atom forms its ion

  1. A.it gains one electron and becomes neutral
  2. B.its atomic number decreases
  3. C.it achieves electronic configuration of argon
  4. D.it loses one proton
  5. E.it loses one neutron.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (it achieves electronic configuration of argon)

Explanation

Potassium (2,8,8,1) loses its single outer electron to become K+ (2,8,8), the same arrangement as argon. Its protons and neutrons do not change.