Question

which numbers correctly complete the table above?
ca
18
20
44
1
symbol
number
number
protons
neutrons
electrons
oxidation
(charge)
element
atomic
mass

Explanation:

Step1: Determine atomic number

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons. For Ca (Calcium), the number of protons is 20, so the atomic number is 20.

Step2: Calculate neutrons

The mass number is 44. The formula for mass number ($A$) is $A =$ number of protons ($p$)+ number of neutrons ($n$). So, $n=A - p$. Substituting $A = 44$ and $p = 20$, we get $n=44 - 20=24$.

Step3: Determine oxidation state

Calcium typically loses 2 electrons to form a cation. The charge (oxidation state) is $+ 2$.

Answer:

20, 24, +2