State the number of electrons lost or gained when the following elements form
Ions:
Be
Express your answer as an integer
Beryllium (Be) is in Group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons. When it forms ions, it typically loses 2 electrons to achieve a stable noble gas configuration. Therefore, the number of electrons lost by beryllium is 2.
Beryllium (Be) forms ions by losing its valence electrons. Beryllium is in Group 2 of the periodic table and has 2 valence electrons. When it forms ions, it loses those 2 electrons. Therefore, Be forms ions by losing 2 electrons.
To determine the number of electrons lost or gained when an ion forms, we need to look at the number of valence electrons of the element.
Beryllium (Be) is located in Group 2A of the periodic table. Elements in Group 2A, also known as the alkaline earth metals, have two valence electrons.
When forming ions, elements tend to either lose or gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In the case of beryllium, it is easier for it to lose its two valence electrons rather than gain six more to complete its octet.
Therefore, beryllium tends to form a cation by losing its two valence electrons. Each electron lost corresponds to a charge of +1. Since two electrons are lost in this case, the charge of the beryllium ion would be +2.
In summary, Be forms a cation with a charge of +2 by losing two electrons.