Alkaline earth metals in group 2 on the periodic table most commonly form which type of ion?

• A. 2+ cations
• B. 1+ cations
• C. 2- anions
• D. 1- anions

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the group number of alkaline earth metals on the periodic table, which is group 2.
2. Recall that elements in group 2 have two valence electrons in their outermost shell.
3. Understand that these elements tend to lose their two valence electrons to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration.
4. Recognize that losing two electrons results in the formation of ions with a 2+ charge, called 2+ cations.
5. Conclude that alkaline earth metals most commonly form 2+ cations.