To determine the correct symbol representing calcium atoms that have lost two electrons, we need to understand the concept of ion formation in chemistry, specifically how electron loss affects the charge of an atom.
1. Identify the Element and Its Symbol:
- The element in question is calcium, which has the chemical symbol [tex]\( \text{Ca} \)[/tex].
2. Understand Electron Loss and Charge:
- Calcium atoms normally have 20 electrons and 20 protons. The electrons are negatively charged and the protons are positively charged, resulting in a neutral charge overall.
- When a calcium atom loses electrons, it loses negatively charged particles, causing it to become positively charged.
3. Determine the Effect of Losing Two Electrons:
- If a calcium atom loses one electron, it gains a +1 charge.
- If a calcium atom loses two electrons, it gains a +2 charge.
4. Write the Correct Symbol:
- To denote a calcium ion that has lost two electrons and thus has a +2 charge, we use the notation [tex]\( \text{Ca}^{+2} \)[/tex].
Hence, the symbol representing calcium atoms that have lost two electrons is:
[tex]\[ \text{Ca}^{+2} \][/tex]
