Which one of the atoms shown would be most likely to form a cation with a charge of 1?

Ions are atoms of elements that become stable by either losing or gaining electrons to reach a more stable state. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion called an anion, whereas losing electrons results in a positively charged ion known as a cation. Here, a +1 charge signifies the atom has lost a single electron to achieve stability. Consequently, option A is the correct choice.

If we look at the correct image:
A. Displays four electrons in its outer shell
B. Has five electrons in the outermost shell
C. Contains six electrons in the outer shell
D. Possesses seven electrons in the outer shell
E. Exhibits eight electrons in the outer shell
The answer is A.
Atoms tend to complete their valence shells ideally with paired electrons. In A, there are four electrons which could be removed, while B would require gaining three electrons to fill its shell. Removing five electrons from B would expend a lot of energy. The same logic applies to C, D, and E, which would prefer accepting 2, 1, or no electrons respectively.