Why are calcium and chlorine likely to bond to each other?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why calcium and chlorine are likely to form an ionic bond. This involves understanding their electron configurations, their tendencies to lose or gain electrons to achieve a stable octet, and the resulting electrostatic attraction between the ions formed.
Answer
Calcium and chlorine form an ionic bond due to the electrostatic attraction between Ca2+ and Cl- ions.
Calcium and chlorine are likely to bond because calcium readily loses two electrons to form a +2 ion, while chlorine readily gains one electron to form a -1 ion. The resulting electrostatic attraction between the calcium ion (Ca2+) and two chloride ions (Cl-) forms an ionic bond, creating calcium chloride (CaCl2).
Answer for screen readers
Calcium and chlorine are likely to bond because calcium readily loses two electrons to form a +2 ion, while chlorine readily gains one electron to form a -1 ion. The resulting electrostatic attraction between the calcium ion (Ca2+) and two chloride ions (Cl-) forms an ionic bond, creating calcium chloride (CaCl2).
More Information
The resulting compound, calcium chloride (CaCl2), is an ionic compound with a crystal lattice structure.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume they form a covalent bond; however, the large difference in electronegativity between calcium and chlorine favors ionic bonding.
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