Question

Because of high electropositivity, the atom of metals can easily form:
A. Positive ions
B. Negative ions
C. Neutral ions
D. Covalent bonds

Answer 1

Hint: Electropositivity is the tendency of an atom to donate electrons and form cations. Electropositivity is the opposite of electronegativity.

Complete step by step answer:
Electropositivity can be defined as the tendency of an atom to easily lose electrons to form positively charged cations. This property is exhibited by metallic elements, especially the metals of group 1 (alkali metals) and group 2 (alkaline earth metals). Electropositivity is nothing but the opposite of electronegativity. Electronegativity is the tendency of atoms to gain electrons to form negatively charged anions.
Electropositive elements often react with electronegative elements to form ionic salts. For instance, Sodium is a highly electropositive element as it easily gives up an electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration. On the other hand, Chlorine is a highly electronegative element which readily accepts an electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration (stable octet). Thus, sodium and chlorine react with each other to give an ionic salt which is sodium chloride (NaCl).

As discussed above, electropositive elements readily lose electrons to form positively charged cations. Hence, the correct answer is (A) Positive ions.

Note: Do not confuse between an electropositive and an electronegative element. Remember that electropositive elements lose electrons in order to become positively charged and electronegative elements gain electrons in order to become negatively charged.