alleryThe tendency of a metal atom to lose its valence electrons and form a cation is called its:
AElectropositivity
BElectronegativity
CValency
DAtomic radius
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Electropositivity
1. Metals have few valence electrons (1 to 3) and low effective nuclear charge.
2. They readily lose those electrons to form cations.
3. This electron-losing tendency is named electropositivity, the metallic character.
4. Rule out B: electronegativity is the opposite, electron-gaining tendency.
_Source: Balbharati (Maharashtra Board) Class 10 Science & Technology, Ch 2 "Periodic Classification of Elements", p.35_
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