« previous next »

Author Question: How do you know whether an atom would loose electrons or gain electrons? (Read 1115 times)

123654777

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 585
on: Sep 20, 2013
Calcium has two valence electrons, how can i tell if calcium gains or looses electrons to form stable octect?


sadsdas

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
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.


Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question

penza

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,022
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.


« previous next »
 

Did you know?

The calories found in one piece of cherry cheesecake could light a 60-watt light bulb for 1.5 hours.

Did you know?

The tallest man ever known was Robert Wadlow, an American, who reached the height of 8 feet 11 inches. He died at age 26 years from an infection caused by the immense weight of his body (491 pounds) and the stress on his leg bones and muscles.

Did you know?

Approximately 500,000 babies are born each year in the United States to teenage mothers.

Did you know?

Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis has a slowly progressive process that, unlike invasive aspergillosis, does not spread to other organ systems or the blood vessels. It most often affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, spreading to surrounding tissue in the lungs. The disease often does not respond to conventionally successful treatments, and requires individualized therapies in order to keep it from becoming life-threatening.

Did you know?

Signs and symptoms of a drug overdose include losing consciousness, fever or sweating, breathing problems, abnormal pulse, and changes in skin color.

Tall pad extensions can also be used to gain access to the frame of a vehicle. This position is ... Tall pad extensions can also be used to gain access to the frame of a vehicle. This position is ...
Jostle the thigh, tossing from side to side, hand to hand. Causes loose, free movement in the hip ... Jostle the thigh, tossing from side to side, hand to hand. Causes loose, free movement in the hip ...
Controlling access to water in order to gain political and strategic advantage in Gaza Controlling access to water in order to gain political and strategic advantage in Gaza
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors of Weight Gain Environmental and Lifestyle Factors of Weight Gain
The average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is about a pound The average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is about a pound
An overview of the 5 types of gain, loss, or rearrangement of chromosome An overview of the 5 types of gain, loss, or rearrangement of chromosome
Video: Segmentation and migrating motility complexes & Gastroileal reflex

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library