The atomic number of calcium is 20. The electronic structure of a calcium ion can be represented as:
Correct answer: C. 2,8,8
- A. 2,8
- B. 2,8,4
- C. 2,8,8
- D. 2,8,8,2
Explanation
The correct electronic configuration for a calcium ion (Ca2+) is 2,8,8. A neutral calcium atom has an electronic configuration of 2,8,8,2, with a total of 20 electrons. When it forms a 2+ ion, it loses two electrons from the outermost shell, resulting in the configuration 2,8,8. This is why Option C is correct. Option A represents too few electrons for this ion, and Option B does not account for the correct number of electron shells or electrons. Option D represents the neutral atom, not the ion.
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