Question

Elements in group 2A (2) of the periodic table form ions with a charge of ________.

A) 3+
B) 0
C) 1+
D) 2+
E) 1-

Answer 1

Group 2A (2) elements form ions with a 2+ charge because they tend to lose their two valence electrons, resulting in a cation with more protons than electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elements in group 2A (2) of the periodic table form ions with a charge of 2+. The periodic table is very useful in predicting ion formation and charges. Main-group elements tend to form cations with a charge equal to their group number. Therefore, group 1 elements form 1+ ions, group 2 elements form 2+ ions, and so on. Alkaline earth metals, which make up group 2 of the periodic table, each have two valence electrons. When they form ions, they lose these two electrons to achieve a noble gas configuration, and as a result, they have more protons than electrons, which gives them a 2+ charge.