Sure, let's analyze the problem step-by-step to determine the correct symbol for calcium atoms that have lost two electrons.
1. Understand the Element: Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol [tex]\(Ca\)[/tex].
2. Concept of Losing Electrons: In chemistry, when an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged because it has more protons than electrons.
3. Determine the Charge for Calcium:
- A neutral calcium atom has no overall charge because the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
- Electrons are negatively charged, so losing electrons means losing negative charges.
- For each electron lost, the atom gains a positive charge.
4. Loss of Two Electrons:
- When a calcium atom loses one electron, it becomes [tex]\(Ca^{+}\)[/tex], meaning it now has one more proton than electrons.
- When it loses a second electron, it becomes [tex]\(Ca^{+2}\)[/tex], indicating it has two more protons than electrons, resulting in a 2+ charge.
5. Symbol Representation:
- The correct way to represent a calcium ion that has lost two electrons is [tex]\(Ca^{+2}\)[/tex].
So, the symbol that represents calcium atoms that have lost two electrons is [tex]\( \boxed{Ca^{+2}} \)[/tex].
