* Calcium (Ca) is in Group 2 of the periodic table, meaning it has 2 valence electrons (electrons in its outermost shell). It tends to lose these two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
* Chlorine (Cl) is in Group 17 of the periodic table, meaning it has 7 valence electrons. It tends to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
The Ratio:
To form a stable compound, one calcium atom (Ca) will donate its two electrons, one to each of two chlorine atoms (Cl). This results in the following ratio:
* 1 Calcium atom (Ca) : 2 Chlorine atoms (Cl)
The Compound:
This results in the formation of calcium chloride (CaCl₂), a common ionic compound.
