Write formulas for compounds of calcium with each of the following: a) Chlorine b) Oxygen c) Sulfur

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Identify the valency of calcium (Ca), which is +2 as it is in Group 2 of the periodic table.

For chlorine (Cl), which typically has a valency of -1, combine the ions in a ratio that neutralizes the charges. Since calcium has a +2 charge and chlorine has a -1 charge, you will need two chlorine ions to balance one calcium ion, resulting in the formula CaCl2.

For oxygen (O), which has a valency of -2, match the charges of calcium and oxygen so they neutralize each other. Since both calcium and oxygen have charges of +2 and -2 respectively, they combine in a 1:1 ratio, giving the formula CaO.

For sulfur (S), which also has a valency of -2 similar to oxygen, follow the same logic as with oxygen. Combine one calcium ion with one sulfur ion to neutralize the charges, resulting in the formula CaS.

Write down the final formulas: Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Calcium oxide (CaO), and Calcium sulfide (CaS).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs when atoms transfer electrons to achieve stable electron configurations. In the case of calcium, which has two valence electrons, it readily loses these electrons to form a Ca²⁺ ion. The resulting positive charge allows it to bond with negatively charged ions, such as Cl⁻ from chlorine, O²⁻ from oxygen, and S²⁻ from sulfur, forming ionic compounds.

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas represent the composition of a compound using symbols for the elements and numerical subscripts to indicate the number of atoms. For example, in calcium chloride (CaCl₂), the formula indicates one calcium atom and two chlorine atoms. Understanding how to derive these formulas based on the charges of the ions involved is essential for writing correct chemical formulas.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound, reflecting the number of electrons lost or gained. Calcium typically has an oxidation state of +2, while chlorine, oxygen, and sulfur have oxidation states of -1, -2, and -2, respectively. Recognizing these oxidation states is crucial for determining the correct ratios of ions in the resulting compounds, such as CaCl₂, CaO, and CaS.

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