Question

Using the word stable, how do you explain why the alkali metals tend to lose 1 valence electron?

Answer 1

They want to have a full octet so they are stable.

Explanation:

Alkali metals have 1 valence electron on their outer shell. They are more stable when they have 8 valence electrons, so they want to lose that valence electron. They do this by bonding with other elements. When they lose their 1 valence electron, they have a full octet and are therefore stable.