Chapter 9, Problem 58A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The expected charges of the cation of the given element should be stated.

Concept Introduction: Metals are electropositive and tend to lose their electrons to form cations. They give up as many electrons equal to their valency and bear an equivalent positive charge.

Answer to Problem 58A

Strontium forms cations with a +2 charge.

Explanation of Solution

The given element is strontium Sr which belongs to the second group with two valence electrons. It can give up these two electrons to form ${\text{Sr}}^{\text{2+}}$ ions. So, Sr cations have a +2 charge.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The expected charges of the cation of the given element should be stated.

Concept Introduction: Metals are electropositive and tend to lose their electrons to form cations. They give up as many electrons equal to their valency and bear an equivalent positive charge.

Answer to Problem 58A

Calcium forms ${\text{Ca}}^{\text{2+}}$ ions with two positive charges on calcium.

Explanation of Solution

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal that loses its two valence electrons to form a di-positive ion.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The expected charges of the cation of the given element should be stated.

Concept Introduction: Metals are electropositive and tend to lose their electrons to form cations. They give up as many electrons equal to their valency and bear an equivalent positive charge.

Answer to Problem 58A

Aluminum forms cations with three positive charges.

Explanation of Solution

Aluminum is a third-group metal that has three valence electrons. It loses these three electrons to form ${\text{Al}}^{\text{3+}}$ ions with a stable noble gas configuration.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The expected charges of the cation of the given element should be stated.

Concept Introduction: Metals are electropositive and tend to lose their electrons to form cations. They give up as many electrons equal to their valency and bear an equivalent positive charge.

Answer to Problem 58A

Caesium is an alkali metal and it forms mono-positive ions.

Explanation of Solution

Caesium is an alkali metal with a single electron in its valence shell. It gives up this electron to attain a noble gas configuration and forms ${\text{Cs}}^{\text{+}}$ an ion.