How will the calcium atom shown below achieve an octet if it takes part in an ionic bond?
a
The calcium atom will gain 20 electrons.
b
The calcium atom will lose 20 electrons.
c
The calcium atom will gain 2 electrons.
d
The calcium atom will gain 6 electrons.
e
The calcium atom will lose 8 electrons.
f
The calcium atom will lose 2 electrons.
g
The calcium atom will lose 6 electrons.
h
The calcium atom will gain 8 electrons.
The correct answer is option f. The calcium atom will lose 2 electrons.
In an ionic bond, atoms transfer electrons to achieve a stable configuration. Calcium has 20 electrons, and in order to achieve an octet (8 valence electrons), it will lose 2 electrons.