Question

The element X has the electronic configuration 2, 8, 18, 8, 1. Without identifying X,

1. predict the sign and charge on a simple ion of X.
2. write if X will be an oxidising agent or a reducing agent and why.

Answer 1

1. Ion of X has one unit positive charge X¹⁺.
2. It will act as a reducing agent since it has the ability to lose one electron from its valence shell.
   \[\ce{X - e- -> X+}\]