Calcium is in group IIA. Predict the number of electrons that calcium gains or loses to form stable ions. Explain your reasoning. Write the symbol of the ion.

Answer 1

Calcium is located in group IIA of the periodic table, which means it has 2 valence electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration, calcium would prefer to lose these two valence electrons rather than gaining six more to fill its valence shell.

By losing the two valence electrons, calcium achieves a stable electron configuration similar to the noble gas argon. This results in the formation of a calcium ion with a 2+ charge, written as Ca2+.