Question

Explain the formation of calcium oxide with the help of an orbit diagram.

Answer 1

• The atomic number of calcium is 20 and the electronic configuration is 2, 8, 8, 8, 2.
• It will lose 2 electrons and attains +2 charge by forming calcium ion (${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$) and acquires a stable noble gas configuration (i.e. argon).
• On the other hand, the atomic number of oxygen is 8 and its electronic configuration is 2,6.
• Oxygen will gain 2 electrons to form an oxide ion and acquires a stable configuration of the nearest noble gas (i.e. neon).