Question

Use the electron configurations of the alkali metals to explain why they tend to form 1+ ions.

Answer 1

All alkali metals have the electronic configuration of ns1 .Take for example the electronic configuration of sodium is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹ then the sodium atom loses an electron it achieves an electronic configuration nearest to the noble gas configuration hence it becomes exceptionally stable . The electronic configuration hence achieved of Na+ ion is is very stable and it is very difficult to remove an electron further hence it usually shows an oxidation state of +1.