To determine which of the given elements would lose an electron easily, we can follow these steps:
### Step 1: Identify the Elements
Let's identify the elements we are considering. The elements mentioned in the transcript are:
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Sodium (Na)
- Potassium (K)
- Calcium (Ca)
### Step 2: Write the Electronic Configurations
Next, we will write the electronic configurations for each of these elements based on their atomic numbers:
- **Magnesium (Mg)**: Atomic number 12 → Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 2
- **Sodium (Na)**: Atomic number 11 → Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 1
- **Potassium (K)**: Atomic number 19 → Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 8, 1
- **Calcium (Ca)**: Atomic number 20 → Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 8, 2
### Step 3: Determine Valence Electrons
Now, we will look at the number of valence electrons for each element:
- **Magnesium**: 2 valence electrons
- **Sodium**: 1 valence electron
- **Potassium**: 1 valence electron
- **Calcium**: 2 valence electrons
### Step 4: Analyze the Tendency to Lose Electrons
Elements tend to lose electrons more easily if they have fewer valence electrons. In this case:
- Sodium and Potassium each have 1 valence electron, which means they can lose an electron easily.
- Magnesium and Calcium have 2 valence electrons, making it slightly less favorable for them to lose electrons compared to Sodium and Potassium.
### Step 5: Compare Sodium and Potassium
Between Sodium and Potassium, we need to consider their atomic sizes:
- **Sodium** is smaller in size compared to **Potassium**.
- As we move down the group in the periodic table, the atomic size increases. A larger atomic size means that the outermost electron is further from the nucleus and is held less tightly, making it easier to lose.
### Conclusion
Since Potassium (K) has a larger atomic size compared to Sodium (Na) and both have 1 valence electron, Potassium will lose an electron more easily than Sodium. Therefore, the element that would lose an electron easily is **Potassium (K)**.
### Final Answer
The correct answer is **Potassium (K)**.
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