Which one of the following is the correct set of Lewis dot symbols for CaCl₂?

• A. Ca ext{ (no dots)},ext{ } 2Cl ext{ (each with 8 dots)}
• B. Ca^{2+} ext{ (with 2 dots)},ext{ } 2Cl^{-} ext{ (each with 7 dots)}
• C. Ca^{2+} ext{ (no dots)},ext{ } 2Cl^{-} ext{ (each with 8 dots)}
• D. Ca ext{ (with 2 dots)},ext{ } 2Cl ext{ (each with 7 dots)}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of compound: CaCl₂ is an ionic compound formed between calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl). Calcium is a metal and chlorine is a nonmetal.
2. Determine the charges on ions: Calcium tends to lose two electrons to form Ca^{2+}, and each chlorine atom gains one electron to form Cl^{-}. Since there are two chlorine atoms, the total negative charge is 2 × (-1) = -2, balancing the +2 charge of calcium.
3. Understand Lewis dot symbols for ions: For Ca^{2+}, since it has lost two electrons, it will have no dots around it (no valence electrons). For Cl^{-}, each chlorine ion gains one electron, completing its octet, so it should have 8 dots representing 8 valence electrons.
4. Compare the options given: The correct Lewis dot symbols should show Ca^{2+} with no dots and each Cl^{-} with 8 dots, reflecting the full octet after gaining an electron.
5. Conclude that the correct set of Lewis dot symbols for CaCl₂ is Ca^{2+} with no dots and 2 Cl^{-} ions each with 8 dots, representing the ionic nature and electron transfer in the compound.