Chapter 2: Problem 4
\(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\) a. is an anion. b. is a neutral isotope. c. is an atom that has lost two electrons. d. is reduced.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option c: \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) is an atom that has lost two electrons.
Step by step solution
01
Understand what \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) represents
\(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) indicates that this calcium ion has lost 2 electrons, as signified by the 2+ charge.
02
Evaluate option a
An anion is a negatively charged ion. Since \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) has a positive charge, it is not an anion.
03
Evaluate option b
A neutral isotope has no net electrical charge. \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) is a positively charged ion, so it’s not neutral.
04
Evaluate option c
The \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) has lost 2 electrons, resulting in a 2+ charge. This fits the description of option c.
05
Evaluate option d
Reduction refers to the gain of electrons. Since \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) has lost electrons, it has been oxidized, not reduced.
06
Conclusion
The correct answer is option c: \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) is an atom that has lost two electrons.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cation
A cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. The calcium ion \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) is an example of a cation. Here's why: Calcium normally has a neutral charge, meaning it has an equal number of protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles). When it loses two electrons, it becomes positively charged, resulting in \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\). The '2+' notation shows it has a net positive charge of two. In summary:
- Cations form by losing electrons.
- \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) is a cation with a 2+ charge.
Oxidation
Oxidation is a chemical process involving the loss of electrons by an atom or molecule. For calcium, becoming a \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) ion means it underwent oxidation. Here's how it works: In the oxidation process, calcium loses two electrons. These negatively charged particles leave the calcium atom, and its overall charge becomes more positive.
This can be summarized in an oxidation equation: \[\text{Ca} \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+} + 2e^-\] This shows the calcium (Ca) atom losing two electrons (\(2e^-\)), forming the \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) ion.
Important points:
This can be summarized in an oxidation equation: \[\text{Ca} \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+} + 2e^-\] This shows the calcium (Ca) atom losing two electrons (\(2e^-\)), forming the \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) ion.
Important points:
- Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
- \(\text{Ca}\) is oxidized to \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\).
Electron Loss
When an atom loses electrons, it becomes more positively charged. This process is essential in the formation of cations. In the case of calcium:
- Calcium starts as a neutral atom.
- It loses two electrons.
- This loss results in a \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) ion.
- Electron loss leads to positive ion (or cation) formation.
- \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) is due to the loss of two electrons.
Ionization
Ionization refers to the process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, forming ions. For calcium to become \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\), it undergoes ionization. This process includes:
- Starting as a neutral calcium atom.
- Electrons are removed.
- An ion with a 2+ charge remains.
- Ionization is essential for ion formation.
- Calcium's ionization leads to \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) ion.