To determine which atom could represent X in the molecule CaX, we need to consider the typical bonding behavior of calcium (Ca) and the elements listed.
Calcium is an alkaline earth metal from Group 2 of the periodic table, and it typically forms a +2 charge by losing its two valence electrons.
Now let's analyze the options:
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Oxygen (O): Oxygen is from Group 16 and typically forms a -2 charge by gaining two electrons. When calcium and oxygen bond, they form a stable ionic compound (CaO).
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Bromine (Br): Bromine is from Group 17 and typically forms a -1 charge. Calcium can bond with two bromine atoms to form CaBr2, but this represents a divalent ionic bond.
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Carbon (C): Carbon is in Group 14 and can form covalent bonds. While calcium and carbon can react, they typically do not form a simple compound like CaC.
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Boron (B): Boron is in Group 13 and has a +3 charge in some of its compounds. Calcium does not typically form stable compounds directly with boron in a simple CaX form.
The most straightforward option that represents a stable ionic compound with calcium is oxygen (O), resulting in calcium oxide (CaO).
So, the answer is:
oxygen (O)
1 answer