Question

What is the Ion Formula and Configuration for Ca?
And cation or anion?

Can someone explain how they got their answers please? Thanks!

Answer 1

Sure. First, look at the periodic table. What info do you have for Ca? http://ptable.com/

Answer 2

I have the electron config, lewis dot structure down already.

Answer 3

So what part do you need help with?

Answer 4

Ion Formula, Ion Configuration

Answer 5

Ok so how many valence electron does Ca have? From that, do you think it's easier for it to add more elctrons to get 8, or lose the valance it already has?

Answer 6

So Ca has 2 v.e.. Easier to lose 2 electrons.

Answer 7

Right. And if you remove elctrons, you will have more protons that electrons, so what will the charge be? 1 electron brings 1 negative charge, 1 proton brings 1 positive.

Answer 8

So.. Ca+ ?

Answer 9

You lost 2 electrons so you will have 2 more protons. What would it be?

Answer 10

Ca 2+?

Answer 11

Yes. And since you know the configuration of the atom, and you know it will lose the 2 outermost electron, just remove the last 2 electrons in the configuration to get the ionic configuration.

Answer 12

So the Ion Formula is just Ca+2 and then the Config is 1s2...3p6? Since 4s2 is the end?

Answer 13

I would say so, yes.

Answer 14

Thanks!

Answer 15

You're welcome.

Answer 16

@wolfe8 What would be the ion formula for when its easier to add than subtract electrons?

Answer 17

If you were to add electrons, you will have to add 6 more for Ca and so you will add 6 to the configuration.

Answer 18

Say for Boron which has 5 valence ?

Answer 19

To have the stable configuration of having 8 valence electrons, Boron needs 3 more electrons.

Answer 20

So the ion formula would be B 3+?

Answer 21

@wolfe8

Answer 22

This time you are adding negative electrons so you will have more negative than positive.

Answer 23

3-?

Answer 24

Yup

Answer 25

Thanks so much!

Answer 26

So then do I remove the last part of the electron config or 3 this time?

Answer 27

You add 3 to the configuration

Answer 28

Okay thanks!

Answer 29

You're welcome

Answer 30

Last question LOL sorry! What would the ion formula then be if the element is already stable with 8 valence?

Answer 31

@wolfe8

Answer 32

It wouldn't become an ion unless forced to. Then it depends on what you do to it. Even then, I think they can only lose electrons.

Answer 33

Thanks once again I appreciate it!

Answer 34

You're welcome.