In terms of electron transfer describe what happens when one atom of calcium reacts with two atoms of chlorine and give the ions that are formed.

When these atoms react together Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is formed. Calcium atoms have two electrons in their outer shell, which can be determined from the fact they are in group 2 of the periodic table. Chloride atoms have seven electrons in their outer shell, which can be determined from the fact they are in group 7 of the periodic table. So to reach the optimum state of a full outer shell of electrons (or no outer shell) calcium needs to lose two electrons and chlorine needs to gain 1. Therefore one electron from the calcium atom is transferred to a chlorine atom and the other electron from the calcium atom is transferred to a second chlorine atom. So calcium loses two electrons forming a Ca2+ ion and two chlorine atoms gain one electron each forming 2 Cl- ions.

LM
Answered by Lauren M. Chemistry tutor

13182 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How would you preform the flame test to identify the presence of Sodium in a solution? (3Marks)


Why do metals have high melting points?


Is a strong acid the same as a concentrated acid?


The rate of reaction between marble chips and hydrochloric acid can be increased by: a) increasing the concentration of the hydrochloric acid, b) increasing the temperature of the hydrochloric acid. Explain why in terms of the reacting particle model.(6)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning