Which one of Na, Mg , Fe , and Cu has greater tendency to form ions?

Options

A. Na
B. Mg
C. Fe
D. Cu

Answer

To determine which element among sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) has a greater tendency to form ions, we need to consider the concept of ionization energy (or ionization enthalpy). Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Ionization Energy
Ionization energy is the minimum energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state. The lower the ionization energy, the easier it is for an atom to lose an electron and form a positive ion.

### Step 2: Compare the Elements
- **Sodium (Na)**: Sodium is in Group 1 (alkali metals) and has a low ionization energy because it has only one electron in its outermost shell.
- **Magnesium (Mg)**: Magnesium is in Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) and has a higher ionization energy than sodium because it has two electrons in its outer shell.
- **Iron (Fe)**: Iron is a transition metal and has a higher ionization energy than both sodium and magnesium due to its more complex electron configuration.
- **Copper (Cu)**: Copper is also a transition metal and has an even higher ionization energy than iron.

### Step 3: Analyze the Trends
- As we move across a period from left to right, ionization energy increases.
- As we move down a group, ionization energy decreases.
- In this case, sodium has the lowest ionization energy among the four elements.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Since sodium has the lowest ionization energy, it has the greatest tendency to lose an electron and form a positive ion. Therefore, the answer is **sodium (Na)**.

### Final Answer:
**Sodium (Na) has the greatest tendency to form ions among Na, Mg, Fe, and Cu.**

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