Question

How many electrons must an atom of each element lose to obtain a noble-gas electron configuration?

a. Ca
b. Al
c. Li
d. Ba

Answer 1

Atoms lose a specific number of electrons to obtain a noble-gas electron configuration. Calcium and Barium each lose 2 electrons, Aluminum loses 3 electrons, and Lithium loses 1 electron, achieving configurations similar to noble gases like Argon, Neon, Helium, and Xenon respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

To obtain a noble-gas electron configuration, atoms of different elements must lose a certain number of electrons corresponding to their group number in the periodic table:

1. Calcium (Ca): As a group 2 element, Ca must lose 2 electrons to achieve the noble gas electron configuration of [Ar], thus forming Ca2+.
2. Aluminum (Al): Being in group 13, Al will lose 3 electrons, resulting in an electron configuration of [Ne], forming Al3+.
3. Lithium (Li): As a group 1 element, Li will lose 1 electron to acquire the configuration of [He], leading to the formation of Li+.
4. Barium (Ba): This element, found in group 2, will lose 2 electrons and take on the noble gas configuration of [Xe], resulting in the formation of Ba2+.