Question

M is a metal and its oxide has the formula M₂O. This oxide when dissolved in water forms the corresponding hydroxide which is a good conductor of electricity. In the above context, answer the following:

1. State the number of electrons in the outermost shell of M.
2. Name the group to which M belongs.
3. Which element has more electronegativity, M or O?

Answer 1

1. The outermost shell of M has one electron. We can say that M has one valence electron since O has a valency of −2 and two atoms of M mix with O to generate M₂O.
2. M belongs to group 1 [1A] because there is 1 electron in the outer most shell.
3. As oxygen is a non-metal with a higher electronegativity than M, M is a metal that is a member of group 1.