Multiple Choice
What is the most common ionic charge of an aluminum ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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After the transfer of electrons, calcium becomes an ion with a charge of:
A
-1
B
-2
C
+2
D
+1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that calcium (Ca) is an element in Group 2 of the periodic table, which means it has 2 electrons in its outermost shell (valence electrons).
When calcium forms an ion, it tends to lose its valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the nearest noble gas (argon).
Losing 2 electrons means calcium will have 2 more protons than electrons, resulting in a positive charge of +2.
Therefore, the charge on the calcium ion after electron transfer is written as Ca\(^{2+}\), indicating a +2 charge.
This explains why calcium does not form ions with charges of -1, -2, or +1, but rather a +2 charge.
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