What noble-gas configurations and charge are the following elements likely to attain in reactions in which they form ions? (b) Ca

Key Concepts

Noble Gas Configuration

Noble gas configuration refers to the electron arrangement of noble gases, which have full outer electron shells, making them stable and unreactive. Elements tend to achieve this configuration by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons during chemical reactions. For example, calcium (Ca) will lose two electrons to attain the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, argon (Ar).

Ion Formation

Ion formation occurs when atoms gain or lose electrons, resulting in charged particles called ions. Metals, like calcium, typically lose electrons to form positively charged ions (cations), while nonmetals gain electrons to form negatively charged ions (anions). In the case of calcium, it forms a Ca²⁺ ion by losing two electrons.

Charge of Ions

The charge of an ion indicates the difference between the number of protons and electrons in an atom. A positive charge means the atom has lost electrons, while a negative charge indicates it has gained electrons. For calcium, the likely charge when it forms an ion is +2, reflecting the loss of two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.