Question

An atom of an element forms a 2+ ion. In which group on the Periodic Table could this element be located?

(1) 1 (3) 13
(2) 2 (4) 17

Answer 1

The element that forms a 2+ ion could be located in group 2 of the periodic table.

Step-by-step explanation:

The element that forms a 2+ ion could be located in group 2 of the periodic table.

Group 2 elements, also known as the alkaline earth metals, have 2 valence electrons. When these elements lose both of their valence electrons, they form 2+ ions.

For example, calcium (Ca) is in group 2 and can form a 2+ ion by losing its 2 valence electrons. The resulting calcium ion would have a 2+ charge and would be represented as Ca2+.

Answer 2

To form a 2+ ion, you need to lose two negatively charged electrons. Because metals have relatively empty outer shells, they lose electrons. Metals are on the left hand side of the table, and in order to lose two electrons, you need to have two electrons to start with. The groups of the table are based on the number of electrons an element has in the outer shell, so Group 2 metals will lose two electrons to gain a 2+ charge