What type of ion is beryllium?
Answer: Beryllium (Be) typically forms a 2+ cation, known as the beryllium ion or Be2+.
Explanation: Beryllium has an atomic number of 4 and an electron configuration of 1s2 2s2. In its neutral state, beryllium has 2 valence electrons in its 2s subshell. To achieve a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases, beryllium tends to lose its 2 valence electrons, resulting in a full outer shell and a 2+ charge. This forms the beryllium ion (Be2+), which has the electron configuration of helium (1s2). Read More…