How does calcium obey the octet rule when reacting to form compounds?
1 Answer
It loses two electrons from its outermost shell.
Explanation:
Calcium,
In order to have a complete octet, calcium must lose these two outermost electrons, also called valence electrons.
Calcium will react with nonmetals to form ionic compounds.
The electron configuration for a neutral calcium atom looks like this
Ca: 1s22s22p63s23p64s2
After the two outermost electrons are lost, which in a neutral atom occupy the fourth energy level, the calcium cation,
Ca2+:1s22s22p63s23p6
By losing its valence electrons, calcium completes its octet. The outermost shell, which is now the third energy level, holds a total of eight electrons
For example, calcium will react with oxygen to form calcium oxide,
Oxygen will pick up these two electrons, forming the