Calcium loses how many electrons to form an ion?

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Multiple Choice

Calcium loses how many electrons to form an ion?

Explanation:
Calcium forms ions by losing its outer electrons to reach a stable gas-like electron setup. It has two valence electrons in the 4s orbital, so removing both yields the noble-gas configuration [Ar], giving Ca2+. That makes two the correct amount to lose. If only one electron were lost, you’d get Ca+ with a partially filled outer shell, which is less stable. Losing three or four would remove electrons from inner shells and is much less favorable energetically.

Calcium forms ions by losing its outer electrons to reach a stable gas-like electron setup. It has two valence electrons in the 4s orbital, so removing both yields the noble-gas configuration [Ar], giving Ca2+. That makes two the correct amount to lose. If only one electron were lost, you’d get Ca+ with a partially filled outer shell, which is less stable. Losing three or four would remove electrons from inner shells and is much less favorable energetically.

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