Calcium (Ca) is an alkaline earth metal found in Group 2 of the periodic table and typically loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. To find an appropriate atom (X) to bond with calcium, we need to consider the atoms listed in your options and their common bonding characteristics:
-
Oxygen (O) - Oxygen is in Group 16 and typically gains two electrons to fill its valence shell, making it a good candidate to bond with calcium. The resulting molecule would be CaO, which is stable (calcium oxide).
-
Boron (B) - Boron is a metalloid in Group 13 and typically forms covalent bonds. It usually does not form a stable compound with calcium due to its electron configuration.
-
Bromine (Br) - Bromine is in Group 17 and typically gains one electron. For a stable bond, you would need two bromine atoms to pair with one calcium atom, leading to the formula CaBr2 rather than a simple CaX.
-
Carbon (C) - Carbon lies in Group 14 and can form multiple bonds. While it is possible to have calcium react with carbon to form compounds, the most straightforward bonding would not form a simple CaX arrangement.
Given these considerations, the most appropriate choice for X that allows for a stable molecule with calcium in the formula CaX is:
Oxygen (O).
1 answer