The element in the period 2 group 6 gains/ loses ______ electrons to become a cation/ anion?

To determine the number of electrons an element in group 6 of period 2 gains or loses to become a cation or anion, we need to identify the element present in this group.

Period 2 includes the elements from lithium (Li) to neon (Ne). Among these elements, group 6 consists of oxygen (O) and sulfur (S).

Oxygen (O) has 8 protons and 8 electrons in its neutral state. To become a cation, oxygen would lose electrons. Since oxygen tends to achieve a stable electron configuration, it gains 2 electrons to complete its valence shell of 8 electrons. Thus, oxygen becomes an anion (O2-) and gains 2 electrons.

Sulfur (S) also has 16 protons and 16 electrons in its neutral state. To become a cation, sulfur would lose electrons. Similar to oxygen, sulfur tends to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, sulfur gains 2 electrons to complete its valence shell of 8 electrons. Thus, sulfur becomes an anion (S2-) and gains 2 electrons.

In summary, both oxygen and sulfur in group 6 of period 2 gain 2 electrons to become anions.