Question

1. calcium has one more electron than potassium in its outer shell. how many electrons are likely to leave the calcium atom?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the number of valence electrons in potassium

Potassium (\(K\)) is in Group 1 of the periodic table. Atoms in Group 1 have 1 valence electron.

Step2: Determine the number of valence electrons in calcium

Calcium (\(Ca\)) has one more electron in its outer shell than potassium. Since potassium has 1 valence electron, calcium has \(1 + 1=2\) valence electrons.

Step3: Consider the electron - loss tendency

Atoms tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration (usually a noble - gas - like configuration). Calcium, with 2 valence electrons, will lose 2 electrons to form a \(Ca^{2+}\) ion (similar to the electron configuration of argon).

Answer:

2