Shameeka is studying for an exam. She took the notes below about calcium and chlorine, which are known to form ionic bonds.Calcium, which is a metal, donates 2 electrons to chlorine.The individual calcium atoms become ions with a negative 2 charge. The bond between calcium and chlorine makes the atoms stable. Calcium and chlorine attract each other. Which best describes Shameeka’s error?
Answer
A
Calcium is a metal, so it donates protons, not electrons.
B
The individual calcium atom has a positive, not negative, 2 charge.
C
The bond formed makes the atoms unstable, not stable.
D
Calcium and chlorine repel, not attract, each other.
Explanation
When calcium donates two electrons, it loses negative charge and becomes a calcium ion with a 2+ charge (Ca²⁺), not a 2− charge. Chlorine gains electrons and becomes negatively charged, so the oppositely charged ions attract. Thus, Shameeka’s error is saying calcium has a negative 2 charge; the choice describing calcium as positive 2 is correct.
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