Show the formation of cations of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) atoms, and the formation. Class 9

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· Jul 06, 2026 · Reviewed & updated Sep 17, 2026 · 1 min read

Show the formation of cations of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) atoms, and the formation. Class 9


Question 1.

Show the formation of cations of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) atoms, and the formation of their corresponding chlorides using diagrams. Class 9

Answer:

Formation of Potassium cation (K+):

Potassium (atomic number 19) has electronic configuration 2, 8, 8, 1. It has 1 electron in its valence shell.

To attain a stable configuration, it loses this 1 electron: K → K+ + e- Potassium becomes K+ ( K+ has 19 protons and 18 electrons).

Formation of Potassium chloride (KCl): K+ (valency 1) + Cl- (valency 1) → KCl One potassium ion combines with one chloride ion to form potassium chloride.

Formation of Calcium cation (Ca2+): Calcium (atomic number 20) has electronic configuration 2, 8, 8, 2. It has 2 electrons in its valence shell.

To attain a stable configuration, it loses both electrons: Ca → Ca2+ + 2e- Calcium becomes Ca2+ (20 protons and 18 electrons).

Formation of Calcium chloride (CaCl2): Ca2+ (valency 2) + 2 Cl- (valency 1 each) → CaCl2. One calcium ion combines with two chloride ions to form calcium chloride.