Two elements, M and N, each show one prominent valence-electron peak in their PES spectra.
• For element M, the valence peak accounts for 1 electron and appears at 0.50 MJ mol⁻¹.
• For element N, the valence peak accounts for 5 electrons and appears at 1.0 MJ mol⁻¹.
Which of the following statements about their likely chemical behavior is most consistent with these data?
a) M readily gains one electron to form M−, whereas N tends to lose five electrons to form N5+.
b) Both M and N form +1 ions because their valence electrons are readily removed at energies below 2MJmol−1.
c) M readily gains seven electrons to form M7−, whereas N tends to gain three electrons to form N3−.
d) M readily loses one electron to form M+, whereas N tends to gain three electrons to form N3−.