One electron is present in the outermost shell of the atom of an element X. What would be the nature and value of charge on the ion formed if this electron is removed from the outermost shell?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

In order to achieve an octet in the outermost shell, atoms react. This is done by gaining, sharing or losing electrons. When an electron is removed from this atom, it will change into a positive ion. The charge on this ion will be + 1. This is because on losing one electron, the number of protons will still remain the same. As a result, there will be one extra proton in the nucleus which will result in changing the atom into a positive ion.