In the reaction between calcium and sulfur, calcium atoms:

In the reaction between calcium and sulfur, the correct answer is c) become cations.

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal, and it readily loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. When it reacts with sulfur, which is a non-metal, calcium donates its two outer electrons. This electron loss transforms calcium atoms into positively charged ions known as cations (specifically, Ca2+ ions). On the other hand, sulfur gains these electrons and becomes negatively charged, forming sulfide ions (S2-).

This transfer of electrons between calcium and sulfur is a classic example of ionic bonding, where the cations and anions attract each other to form ionic compounds. Therefore, in this reaction, calcium does not form anions, polyatomic ions, or share electrons with sulfur, nor does it crystallize alone. It simply becomes cations as it plays its role in ionic bond formation.

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