Multiple Choice
When electrons are removed from the outermost shell of a calcium atom, the atom becomes:
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Nonmetallic elements form ions by doing which of the following with their valence electrons to complete their outer shell?
A
Sharing electrons equally
B
Releasing protons
C
Losing electrons
D
Gaining electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that nonmetallic elements tend to achieve a full outer electron shell to become more stable, often resembling the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.
Recall that atoms can complete their outer shell by either losing, gaining, or sharing electrons, depending on their position in the periodic table.
Recognize that nonmetals, which are typically found on the right side of the periodic table, have higher electronegativities and tend to attract electrons rather than lose them.
Therefore, nonmetallic elements usually complete their outer shell by gaining electrons, which increases their negative charge and forms anions.
Note that sharing electrons equally refers to covalent bonding, and releasing protons is not a typical process for forming ions; losing electrons is more characteristic of metals forming cations.
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