During bonding, an atom of strontium (Sr), which is in Group 2 of the periodic table, is likely to lose two electrons. Strontium has two valence electrons in its outermost shell, and it tends to form cations with a +2 charge (Sr²⁺) when it reacts with other elements. This is because strontium aims to achieve a more stable electron configuration, similar to that of the noble gases, by emptying its outermost shell.
In ionic bonding, for instance, strontium will give up its two valence electrons to another atom, such as chlorine (Cl), which can gain those electrons to complete its valence shell and form an ionic compound like strontium chloride (SrCl₂).
3 answers