Question

which of the following elements will form +4 ions?
a gallium
b calcium
c germanium
d magnesium

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Gallium (Ga)

Gallium is in Group 13 (or IIIA) of the periodic table. Its valence electrons are 3, so it typically forms a \(+3\) ion (\(Ga^{3+}\)), not \(+4\).

Step2: Analyze Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is in Group 2 (or IIA). It has 2 valence electrons, so it forms a \(+2\) ion (\(Ca^{2+}\)), not \(+4\).

Step3: Analyze Germanium (Ge)

Germanium is in Group 14 (or IVA). Elements in Group 14 can have a common oxidation state of \(+4\) (and also \(+2\) in some cases). Germanium can lose 4 electrons to form a \(Ge^{4+}\) ion.

Step4: Analyze Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is in Group 2 (or IIA). It has 2 valence electrons, so it forms a \(+2\) ion (\(Mg^{2+}\)), not \(+4\).

Answer:

c. Germanium