Multiple Choice
What is the net ionic charge of a calcium ion (Ca^{2+})?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which of the following elements is most likely to form a negatively charged ion?
A
Magnesium (Mg)
B
Sodium (Na)
C
Chlorine (Cl)
D
Aluminum (Al)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that elements form ions by either losing or gaining electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
Recall that metals tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions (cations), while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form negatively charged ions (anions).
Identify the elements given: Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Aluminum (Al) are metals, and Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal.
Recognize that Chlorine (Cl), being a nonmetal in Group 17 (halogens), has 7 valence electrons and tends to gain 1 electron to complete its octet, forming a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).
Conclude that among the options, Chlorine (Cl) is most likely to form a negatively charged ion because it gains electrons, unlike the metals which lose electrons.
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