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Author Question: How do you know whether an atom would loose electrons or gain electrons? (Read 740 times)

123654777

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on: Sep 20, 2013
Calcium has two valence electrons, how can i tell if calcium gains or looses electrons to form stable octect?


sadsdas

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Reply #1 on: Sep 20, 2013
Calcium is a metal, and metals usually lose electrons to form a stable octet.

This is because it's easier for Calcium to lose TWO electrons, than gain SIX electrons.

To form a stable octet, atoms need eight valence electrons.


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penza

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Reply #2 on: Sep 20, 2013
Calcium wants to end up with a complete outer ring of electrons.  It can do that by gaining six electrons or by losing two.  Losing two is easier.


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