A barium atom (Ba) would form its most stable ion by the 1. gain of one electron. 2. loss of one electron. 3. loss of 56 electrons. 4. gain of two electrons. 5. loss of two electrons.

By definition, the correct answer is option 5. A barium atom (Ba) would form its most stable ion by the loss of two electrons.

An ionic bond is produced between metallic and non-metallic atoms, where electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another. During this process, one atom loses electrons and another one gains them, forming ions. Usually, the metal gives up its electrons forming a cation to the nonmetal element, which forms an anion.

In other words, anions are negatively charged ions and are formed when metals gain electrons. Cations are positively charged ions and are formed when a metal loses electrons.

The electrostatic attraction between positives and negatives attracts the particles to each other and creates an ionic compound.

A barium (Ba) atom is a metal, so it loses 2 electrons to comply with the octet rule, which states that the atoms of the elements bond together in an attempt to complete their valence shell, leaving the atom stable with 8 electrons in its last shell and thus be stable.

Finally, the correct answer is option 5. A barium atom (Ba) would form its most stable ion by the loss of two electrons.

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