Other examples of ionic bonding
2 marks · HardA calcium atom (Ca) forms a Ca ion. Describe what happens to the atom when it forms this ion and explain why it forms an ion with a charge of 2+.
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Also accept: Calcium atom loses 2 electrons to achieve a noble gas configuration; forms Ca2+.; Ca loses 2 electrons, ion has 2+ charge as two more protons than electrons.
Common mistakes: States gains electrons instead of loses; Says only 1 electron is lost
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States that calcium loses 2 electrons.
A1 · 1 mark · Explains that the 2+ charge is due to two more protons than electrons in the ion.
Worked solution
A calcium atom loses 2 electrons when it forms a Ca ion.
This produces an ion with two more protons than electrons, so the ion has a charge of 2+.