Is a cation or anion. In the second row, write the symbol for the ion that an atom of fluorine is mostly likely to form and then decide what type of ion it is.?

Anion ( F^-)

Explanation:

An anion is formed when a non metal receives an electron from metallic atom.

Fluorine atom has electronic configuration of 1S2 2S2 2P5. It therefore needs 1 electron to attain the noble gas configuration. Thus to do this, fluorine will receive 1 electron from metallic atom to form fluoride ion(F^-) with electronic configuration as 1s2 2s2 2p6 and thus forming ionic bond.

This can be seen when sodium react with fluorine to form sodium fluoride according to the equation

1. Na —> Na+ + e-

2. F + e- —> F-

Combining 1 and 2, we have:

Na + F + e- —> Na+ + F- + e-

Na + F —> Na+F-

The above illustration indicates ionic bonding as electron was transferred from the sodium atom to the fluorine atom, thus forming sodium ion (Na+) and fluorine ion(F-)