Members of which group easily lose an electron to form a +1 cation? halogens alkaline earth metals noble gases alkali metals

The correct answer is alkali metals.

Explanation:

For the given options:

Option 1: Halogens

Halogens are the elements which are present in Group 17 of the periodic table. The general electronic configuration for the elements of this group is where 'n' is the number of periodic table.

These elements will require 1 electron and thus, will attain -1 oxidation states.

Option 2: Alkaline earth metals

Alkaline earth metals are the elements which are present in Group 2 of the periodic table. The general electronic configuration for the elements of this group is where 'n' is the number of periodic table.

These elements will loose 2 electrons and thus, will attain +2 oxidation states.

Option 3: Noble gases

Noble gases are the elements which are present in Group 18 of the periodic table. The general electronic configuration for the elements of this group is where 'n' is the number of periodic table.

These elements does not require any electron and thus, will remain as such.

Option 4: Alkali metals

Alkali metals are the elements which are present in Group 1 of the periodic table. The general electronic configuration for the elements of this group is where 'n' is the number of periodic table.

These elements will loose 1 electron and thus, will attain +1 oxidation state.

From the above information, the correct answer is alkali metals.