What is the formula for calcium hydroxide?
February 20th, 2023
Calcium is from Group 2 and commonly forms the ##Ca^(2+)## ion. Hydroxide ion, ##HO^-##, is singly, negatively charged.
To make a neutral species, we simply balance the charges. To balance the charge of the metal ion, ##Ca^(2+)##, we need 2 hydroxide ions, ##2xxOH^-##.
We get the formula ##Ca(OH)_2##. Capisce?
Note that once you know the formula for calcium hydroxide, you know the formula for the hydroxides of ALL the Group 2 metals, i.e. ##Ba(OH)_2##, ##Sr(OH)_2##. Are you with me?