What is the charge of the ion typically formed by barium (Ba) in ionic compounds?

• A. 2+
• B. 2-
• C. 1-
• D. 1+

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the group of barium (Ba) in the periodic table. Barium is an alkaline earth metal located in Group 2.
2. Recall that elements in Group 2 typically lose two electrons to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration when forming ions.
3. Since barium loses two electrons, the charge of the ion it forms is positive and equal to the number of electrons lost.
4. Therefore, the charge of the barium ion is written as \(\mathrm{Ba}^{2+}\), indicating a 2+ charge.
5. Conclude that the typical charge of the ion formed by barium in ionic compounds is 2+.