Question

synthesize information a calcium atom tends to lose two electrons to become a calcium ion, while a chlorine atom tends to gain one electron to become a chloride ion. given this information, write out the chemical formula for the compound calcium chloride.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine ion charges

A calcium ion ($Ca^{2+}$) has a charge of +2 as it loses 2 electrons. A chloride ion ($Cl^{-}$) has a charge of -1 as it gains 1 electron.

Step2: Balance charges

To balance the charges in the compound, we need 2 chloride ions for every 1 calcium ion.

Answer:

$CaCl_{2}$