Question

periodic table
which of the following lewis structures correctly represents cacl₂?
a :cl: ca²⁺ :cl⁻
b :cl: ca²⁺ :cl:
c :cl: ca :cl:
d :cl⁻ ca²⁺ :cl:

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze calcium and chlorine ions

Calcium (Ca) in CaCl₂ loses 2 electrons to form Ca²⁺. Chlorine (Cl) gains 1 electron to form Cl⁻. Each Cl atom needs to gain 1 electron to achieve an octet.

Step2: Check Lewis - structure requirements

In the Lewis - structure of an ionic compound like CaCl₂, the cation (Ca²⁺) is in the middle and the anions (Cl⁻) are on either side. Each Cl⁻ has 8 valence electrons shown as dots around it.

Answer:

A. :Cl:⁻ Ca²⁺ :Cl:⁻