Question

which of the following elements will form +4 ions?
a calcium
b magnesium
c germanium
d gallium

Explanation:

• Calcium (\(Ca\)) is in Group 2 of the periodic table. It has 2 valence electrons and typically forms \(+ 2\) ions (\(Ca^{2+}\)) by losing these 2 electrons.
• Magnesium (\(Mg\)) is also in Group 2. It has 2 valence electrons and forms \(+2\) ions (\(Mg^{2+}\)) when it loses those 2 electrons.
• Germanium (\(Ge\)) is in Group 14. It has 4 valence electrons. It can lose 4 electrons to form \(+4\) ions (\(Ge^{4+}\)).
• Gallium (\(Ga\)) is in Group 13. It has 3 valence electrons and usually forms \(+3\) ions (\(Ga^{3+}\)) by losing 3 electrons.

Answer:

C. Germanium