Question

If a sodium atom loses an electron and becomes a sodium ion with a charge of \(1+\), what would happen if a calcium atom loses two electrons?

Short answer

A calcium atom losing two electrons becomes a \( \text{Ca}^{2+} \) ion.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concept of Ions

Atoms that lose or gain electrons become ions. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, known as a cation. The charge of an ion depends on the number of electrons lost or gained compared to its neutral state.

Analyzing the Sodium Atom Case

A sodium atom losing one electron results in a sodium ion with a charge of +1. This is because the loss of one negatively charged electron leaves one more proton than electrons, giving the ion a net charge of +1.

Identifying the Electron Loss for Calcium

In the case of calcium, calcium atoms normally have 20 electrons. If a calcium atom loses two electrons, it decreases its total electron count from 20 to 18.

Calculating the Charge of Calcium Ion

After losing two electrons, there are two more protons than electrons in the calcium ion, resulting in a charge of +2. Therefore, the ion is represented as \( \text{Ca}^{2+} \).

Key concepts

Cations

When atoms lose electrons, they transform into ions with a positive charge known as cations. These cations are the result of an atom shedding its negatively charged electrons, which results in more positive protons than negative electrons, giving the ion an overall positive charge. Understanding cations is crucial in chemistry because they play a significant role in forming ionic compounds. These positively charged ions are attracted to negatively charged ions, known as anions, leading to the formation of ionic bonds, which are prevalent in various naturally occurring substances. Keeping the charge balance in mind helps in predicting the structure and reactivity of compounds.

Electron Loss

Electron loss is a fundamental concept when discussing ion formation. Atoms are naturally neutral, possessing an equal number of protons and electrons. However, losing electrons disturbs this balance. When an atom loses electrons, it doesn't merely become an ion, but a positively charged one. For instance, if an atom loses one electron, it acquires a charge of +1. This process is typical in metals, where electrons are loosely bound and can be readily shed to form cations.

• Loss of 1 electron = +1 charge
• Loss of 2 electrons = +2 charge

Electron loss affects the chemical properties of the atom, making the resultant ion behave differently from its neutral counterpart in chemical reactions.

Calcium Ion

Calcium is a metal and known for forming positive ions. A neutral calcium atom originally has 20 electrons. When a calcium atom loses two electrons, it transforms into a calcium ion with a charge of +2. This is because after losing two electrons, there are two excess protons compared to electrons. Consequently, calcium becomes a cation represented as \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\). This ion is essential in biological and chemical processes, such as ensuring strong bones when part of calcium compounds like calcium phosphate. It's also vital in muscle function, serving as a signaling molecule within cellular processes.

Sodium Ion

A sodium atom is smaller than calcium in terms of its atomic structure and typically involves a simpler electron loss. With 11 electrons originally, upon losing one electron, it becomes a sodium ion with a charge of +1, denoted as \( \text{Na}^{+} \). This transformation leaves the sodium ion with one more proton than electrons. Sodium ions are commonly found in nature and are essential for various bodily functions, such as conducting electrical signals in nerves. In addition, they are a major component of table salt, \( \text{NaCl} \), where sodium ions combine with chloride ions to form this vital compound. Sodium's ability to form ions readily makes it crucial in both biological and chemical contexts.