Show the formation of cations of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) atoms, and the formation of their corresponding chlorides using diagrams.
Formation of Potassium Cation and Potassium Chloride: A potassium (K) atom loses one electron to form a potassium cation (K⁺). A chlorine atom gains one electron to form a chloride anion (Cl⁻). The electrostatic force of attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms an ionic bond, resulting in potassium chloride. Diagram: K → K⁺ + e⁻ K⁺ + Cl⁻ → KCl
Formation of Calcium Cation and Calcium Chloride: A calcium (Ca) atom loses two electrons to form a calcium cation (Ca²⁺). Two chlorine atoms gain these two electrons to form two chloride anions (Cl⁻). The positive and negative charges must balance each other for a neutral structure, so one Ca²⁺ ion combines with two Cl⁻ ions to form calcium chloride (CaCl₂). Diagram: Ca → Ca²⁺ + 2e⁻ Ca²⁺ + 2Cl⁻ → CaCl₂
Explanation
The question requires demonstrating the formation of cations for K and Ca, and their respective chlorides. Following the textbook's example of NaCl formation, potassium loses 1 electron to become K⁺, and calcium loses 2 electrons to become Ca²⁺. Chlorine gains 1 electron to become Cl⁻. For the chlorides, the electrostatic force of attraction holds the ions together. In potassium chloride, a 1:1 ratio of K⁺ and Cl⁻ balances the charges (KCl). In calcium chloride, as explicitly stated in the text, there are two chloride ions for each calcium ion to balance the 2+ charge, resulting in the formula CaCl₂.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Show K atom losing 1 electron to form K⁺ cation (K → K⁺ + e⁻).
Step 2: Show K⁺ and Cl⁻ combining via electrostatic force of attraction to form KCl (K⁺ + Cl⁻ → KCl).
Step 3: Show Ca atom losing 2 electrons to form Ca²⁺ cation (Ca → Ca²⁺ + 2e⁻).
Step 4: Show Ca²⁺ combining with two Cl⁻ ions to balance charges and form CaCl₂ (Ca²⁺ + 2Cl⁻ → CaCl₂).