Question

group 2 elements are called alkaline earth metals. when exposed to air, pure alkaline earth metals react quickly to form ionic compounds. therefore, they’re often stored in a noble gas to prevent contact with air. pure calcium stored in argon gas. complete the statement. to produce stable ions, alkaline earth metals electron(s) to form ions with a charge. image credit

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electron - configuration of alkaline earth metals

Alkaline earth metals are in Group 2 of the periodic table. They have 2 valence electrons.

Step2: Determine electron - loss to form stable ions

To achieve a stable noble - gas electron configuration, they lose 2 electrons.

Step3: Calculate the charge of the resulting ion

When an atom loses 2 electrons, it forms a cation with a + 2 charge.

Answer:

lose; 2; + 2