Multiple Choice
Which process leads to the formation of a positive ion (cation)?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Which ion would bond with a calcium ion (Ca^{2+}) to form a neutral ionic compound?
A
PO_4^{3-}
B
Cl^{-}
C
NO_3^{-}
D
SO_4^{2-}
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charge on the calcium ion, which is given as $\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$, meaning it has a +2 charge.
Look at the charges on the possible anions: $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ has a -3 charge, $\mathrm{Cl^{-}}$ has a -1 charge, $\mathrm{NO_3^{-}}$ has a -1 charge, and $\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}$ has a -2 charge.
To form a neutral ionic compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Since calcium has a +2 charge, it will most simply balance with an ion that has a -2 charge.
Compare the charges: $\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}$ has a -2 charge, which perfectly balances the +2 charge of $\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$ in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in a neutral compound.
Therefore, the ion that bonds with $\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$ to form a neutral ionic compound is $\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}$.
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