Scandium forms the ion S c 3 + , which is a cation. Potassium forms K + (cation), oxygen forms O 2 − (anion), barium forms B a 2 + (cation), and chlorine forms C l − (anion). The completed table provides the symbols and types of these ions.
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Scandium ( S c 3 + ) is a cation.
Potassium (K) forms K + , which is a cation.
Oxygen (O) forms O 2 − , which is an anion.
Barium (Ba) forms B a 2 + , which is a cation.
Chlorine (Cl) forms C l − , which is an anion.
Explanation
Problem Analysis We need to complete the table by identifying the ion symbols and types (cation or anion) for potassium, oxygen, barium, and chlorine, and also determine the ion type for scandium.
Scandium Ion Type Scandium ( S c 3 + ) has a positive charge, meaning it has lost electrons. Therefore, it is a cation.
Potassium Ion Potassium (K) is in Group 1, so it loses one electron to form a +1 ion. The symbol is K + . Since it has a positive charge, it's a cation.
Oxygen Ion Oxygen (O) is in Group 16, so it gains two electrons to form a -2 ion. The symbol is O 2 − . Since it has a negative charge, it's an anion.
Barium Ion Barium (Ba) is in Group 2, so it loses two electrons to form a +2 ion. The symbol is B a 2 + . Since it has a positive charge, it's a cation.
Chlorine Ion Chlorine (Cl) is in Group 17, so it gains one electron to form a -1 ion. The symbol is C l − . Since it has a negative charge, it's an anion.
Completed Table Here's the completed table:
element
symbol of ion
type of ion
scandium
S c 3 +
cation
potassium
K +
cation
oxygen
O 2 −
anion
barium
B a 2 +
cation
chlorine
C l −
anion
Examples
Understanding how elements form ions is crucial in many real-world applications. For example, in batteries, the flow of ions between electrodes generates electricity. In the human body, ions like sodium ( N a + ) and potassium ( K + ) are essential for nerve impulse transmission and maintaining fluid balance. Similarly, calcium ions ( C a 2 + ) are vital for bone health and muscle function. Knowing the charge and behavior of these ions helps us understand and develop technologies and treatments that rely on their properties.