What is the formula for calcium hydroxide?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 14, 2016

Calcium is from Group 2 and commonly forms the #Ca^(2+)# ion. Hydroxide ion, #HO^-#, is singly, negatively charged.

Explanation:

To make a neutral species, we simply balance the charges. To balance the charge of the metal ion, #Ca^(2+)#, we need 2 hydroxide ions, #2xxOH^-#.

We get the formula #Ca(OH)_2#. Capisce?

Note that once you know the formula for calcium hydroxide, you know the formula for the hydroxides of ALL the Group 2 metals, i.e. #Ba(OH)_2#, #Sr(OH)_2#. Are you with me?

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