* Calcium (Ca): Calcium has 2 valence electrons (electrons in its outermost shell). It tends to lose these two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gas Argon (Ar). By losing these electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion (Ca²⁺).
* Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. It tends to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gas Argon (Ar). By gaining one electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).
Ionic bonding occurs when a metal atom (like calcium) transfers one or more electrons to a non-metal atom (like chlorine). The resulting oppositely charged ions attract each other electrostatically, forming a strong bond.
Therefore, the transfer of two electrons from calcium to two chlorine atoms leads to the formation of the ionic compound calcium chloride (CaCl₂) .
