The two atoms shown in the equation are CALCIUM and oxygen.
<span>You start off with a neutral calcium atom with a shell of two electrons, a shell of 8 around that, a shell of 8 around that, and a shell containing 2...with no charge. </span> <span>20 protons + 20 electrons. </span>
<span>You also have an oxygen atom with a shell of 2, and a shell of 6...with no charge. </span> <span>8 protons + 8 electrons. </span>
<span>Each ionizes to form a calcium ion with 2 electrons removed (from the outer shell), leaving a +2 charge (20 protons, 18 electrons)... </span> <span>and an oxygen ion with 2 electrons added (to the outer shell), leaving a -2 charge (8 protons, 10 electrons). </span>
<span>Their electrostatic attraction causes them to come together to form an ionic compound of CaO in a crystal lattice.</span>
