Question

use your knowledge of the periodic table and match the atom to what will happen to the valence electrons in a chemical reaction.
nitrogen, n
aluminum, al
calcium, ca
oxygen, o
will gain 3 valence electrons to have a complete octet
will gain 2 valence electrons to have a complete octet
will lose 3 valence electrons to have a complete octet
will lose 2 valence electrons to have a complete octet

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons

• Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons. To complete the octet (8 electrons), it needs \(8 - 5=3\) electrons. So it will gain 3 valence electrons.
• Aluminum (Al) has 3 valence electrons. It is easier to lose 3 electrons to achieve a stable octet (similar to the noble - gas configuration of neon).
• Calcium (Ca) has 2 valence electrons. It will lose 2 electrons to get a stable octet (similar to the noble - gas configuration of argon).
• Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. To complete the octet, it needs \(8 - 6 = 2\) electrons. So it will gain 2 electrons.

Answer:

• Nitrogen (N): Will gain 3 valence electrons to have a complete octet
• Aluminum (Al): Will lose 3 valence electrons to have a complete octet
• Calcium (Ca): Will lose 2 valence electrons to have a complete octet
• Oxygen (O): Will gain 2 valence electrons to have a complete octet