2. calcium has one more electron than potassium in its outer shell. how many electrons are likely to leave…

2. calcium has one more electron than potassium in its outer shell. how many electrons are likely to leave the calcium atom?

2. calcium has one more electron than potassium in its outer shell. how many electrons are likely to leave the calcium atom?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the number of valence electrons in potassium

Potassium ((K)) is in Group 1 of the periodic table. Atoms in Group 1 have 1 valence electron.

Step2: Determine the number of valence electrons in calcium

Calcium ((Ca)) has one more electron in its outer shell than potassium. Since potassium has 1 valence electron, calcium has (1 + 1=2) valence electrons.

Step3: Consider the electron - loss tendency

Atoms tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration (usually a noble - gas - like configuration). Calcium, with 2 valence electrons, will lose 2 electrons to form a (Ca^{2+}) ion (similar to the electron configuration of argon).

Answer:

2