Chapter 2: Problem 82
Write the empirical formula for the ionic compound made from each of the following pairs of elements. (a) magnesium and fluorine (b) sodium and oxygen (c) scandium and selenium (d) barium and nitrogen
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) MgF鈧, (b) Na鈧侽, (c) Sc鈧係e鈧, (d) Ba鈧僋鈧.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Element Charges
To find the empirical formula of an ionic compound, we first need to determine the charges of the ions involved. Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2, so it forms a Mg虏鈦 ion. Fluorine (F) is in Group 17, forming an F鈦 ion. Sodium (Na) in Group 1 forms Na鈦, while oxygen (O) in Group 16 forms O虏鈦. Scandium (Sc) is a transition metal; it commonly forms a Sc鲁鈦 ion. Selenium (Se) is in Group 16, forming Se虏鈦. Barium (Ba) in Group 2 forms Ba虏鈦 and nitrogen (N) in Group 15 forms N鲁鈦.
02
Balancing Charges for Magnesium and Fluorine
For magnesium and fluorine: Mg forms Mg虏鈦, and F forms F鈦. To balance the charges, two fluoride ions are needed for every magnesium ion. Thus, the empirical formula is MgF鈧.
03
Balancing Charges for Sodium and Oxygen
For sodium and oxygen: Na forms Na鈦, and O forms O虏鈦. To balance the charges, two sodium ions are needed for each oxide ion. Therefore, the empirical formula is Na鈧侽.
04
Balancing Charges for Scandium and Selenium
For scandium and selenium: Sc forms Sc鲁鈦, and Se forms Se虏鈦. To balance the charges, we use the crossover method, obtaining the ratio of Sc:Se as 2:3. The empirical formula is Sc鈧係e鈧.
05
Balancing Charges for Barium and Nitrogen
For barium and nitrogen: Ba forms Ba虏鈦, and N forms N鲁鈦. Using the crossover method, we get the ratio of Ba:N as 3:2. Thus, the empirical formula is Ba鈧僋鈧.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ionic Compounds
Ionic compounds are fascinating structures made up of metals and non-metals. When these elements come together, they form a type of bond known as an ionic bond. This happens because one element donates electrons while the other accepts them, leading to a balance of charges. Usually, metals lose electrons to become positively charged ions called cations, and non-metals gain those electrons to become negatively charged ions known as anions.
This electron exchange results in ions attracting each other, much like a strong magnet, forming a stable ionic compound. Common examples include table salt, which is formed from sodium (a metal) and chlorine (a non-metal).
Key features of ionic compounds include:
This electron exchange results in ions attracting each other, much like a strong magnet, forming a stable ionic compound. Common examples include table salt, which is formed from sodium (a metal) and chlorine (a non-metal).
Key features of ionic compounds include:
- High melting and boiling points due to strong ionic bonds.
- The ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
- Formation of crystalline structures like cubes.
Empirical Formula
When we talk about the empirical formula of a compound, we're referring to the simplest way to show the ratio of elements within that compound. It tells us the proportion of each type of atom present, using the smallest whole numbers.
To find the empirical formula for ionic compounds, you need to balance the charges of the ions. This ensures that the overall charge of the compound is neutral. For example, if you're combining magnesium (Mg) with fluorine (F), magnesium forms a Mg虏鈦 ion, and each fluorine forms an F鈦 ion.
To balance the charges of two fluorine ions with one magnesium ion, the empirical formula is written as MgF鈧.
By mastering empirical formulas, you learn to identify the relevant proportions without having to describe the exact number of each type of atom in the larger structure.
To find the empirical formula for ionic compounds, you need to balance the charges of the ions. This ensures that the overall charge of the compound is neutral. For example, if you're combining magnesium (Mg) with fluorine (F), magnesium forms a Mg虏鈦 ion, and each fluorine forms an F鈦 ion.
To balance the charges of two fluorine ions with one magnesium ion, the empirical formula is written as MgF鈧.
By mastering empirical formulas, you learn to identify the relevant proportions without having to describe the exact number of each type of atom in the larger structure.
Element Charges
Element charges play a crucial role in forming ionic compounds. Each element has a tendency to lose or gain electrons, which gives them a specific charge. These charges are often predictable based on the element's position in the periodic table.
For example:
Understanding these charges is vital for predicting and balancing the formulas of ionic compounds. It allows you to determine the correct ratio of ions needed to achieve a neutral compound.
For example:
- Elements in Group 1 have a +1 charge as they lose one electron.
- Elements in Group 2 have a +2 charge from losing two electrons.
- Non-metals in Group 16 generally gain two electrons, acquiring a -2 charge.
Understanding these charges is vital for predicting and balancing the formulas of ionic compounds. It allows you to determine the correct ratio of ions needed to achieve a neutral compound.
Transition Metals
Transition metals bring a unique twist to chemical bonding due to their ability to form multiple charged ions. These metals are located in the middle block of the periodic table and include familiar elements like iron, copper, and scandium.
Unlike main group elements, transition metals often have variable oxidation states. This characteristic means they can lose different numbers of electrons, resulting in different ions. For example, scandium commonly forms Sc鲁鈦 ions.
This unpredictability can make writing formulas a bit tricky, but it also adds to the rich variety of compounds they can form.
Some key properties of transition metals include:
Unlike main group elements, transition metals often have variable oxidation states. This characteristic means they can lose different numbers of electrons, resulting in different ions. For example, scandium commonly forms Sc鲁鈦 ions.
This unpredictability can make writing formulas a bit tricky, but it also adds to the rich variety of compounds they can form.
Some key properties of transition metals include:
- Formation of colorful compounds.
- Highly conductive nature, making them excellent in electricity and heat applications.
- Good catalysts in chemical reactions.