Question

a beryllium atom becomes a beryllium ion by losing two electrons. what is the symbol for the beryllium ion?
a be²
b be²+
c 2be
d 2be⁺

Explanation:

When an atom loses electrons, it forms a positively - charged ion (cation). The symbol for an ion is written with the element symbol followed by the charge as a superscript. Beryllium (Be) loses two electrons. The charge of the ion is \(+ 2\) (since each electron has a charge of \(-1\), losing two gives a net charge of \(+2\)).

• Option a: \(Be^{2}\) does not show the charge correctly (no sign for the charge).
• Option b: \(Be^{2+}\) is correct as it shows the beryllium element symbol \(Be\) with a \(+2\) charge.
• Option c: \(2Be\) represents two beryllium atoms, not an ion.
• Option d: \(2Be^{+}\) represents two beryllium ions with a \(+1\) charge each, which is incorrect as beryllium loses two electrons (should have a \(+2\) charge for a single ion).

Answer:

B. \(Be^{2+}\)