Which of the following statements is true concerning the calcium ion Ca(2+)?

Which of the following statements is true concerning the calcium ion Ca(2+)?

• A. This cation has more electrons than protons
• B. This cation has an equal number of electrons and protons
• C. This cation has fewer electrons than protons
• D. This cation has no net charge

Answer: (C)

The calcium ion, represented as Ca(2+), is a cation that has lost two electrons compared to its neutral form. In its elemental state, calcium has 20 protons and 20 electrons, making it electrically neutral. When it loses two electrons to form the Ca(2+) ion, it now has 20 protons and only 18 electrons. This results in a net positive charge since there are fewer electrons than protons. Therefore, it is accurate to state that Ca(2+) has fewer electrons than protons, confirming that this statement is true. In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where the relationship between protons and electrons is either equal or results in no charge, which does not apply to a cation like Ca(2+). Thus, recognizing the behavior of calcium in ion formation is crucial for verifying that it indeed has a surplus of positive charge due to the loss of electrons.

The calcium ion, represented as Ca(2+), is a cation that has lost two electrons compared to its neutral form. In its elemental state, calcium has 20 protons and 20 electrons, making it electrically neutral. When it loses two electrons to form the Ca(2+) ion, it now has 20 protons and only 18 electrons. This results in a net positive charge since there are fewer electrons than protons. Therefore, it is accurate to state that Ca(2+) has fewer electrons than protons, confirming that this statement is true.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where the relationship between protons and electrons is either equal or results in no charge, which does not apply to a cation like Ca(2+). Thus, recognizing the behavior of calcium in ion formation is crucial for verifying that it indeed has a surplus of positive charge due to the loss of electrons.