/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 40 Explain why the chemical formula... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 40

Explain why the chemical formulas of ionic compounds are usually the same as their empirical formulas.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The chemical formulas of ionic compounds are the same as their empirical formulas because both represent the simplest whole-number ratio of ions or atoms in the compound that results in a charge balance.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Ionic Compounds

Firstly, it needs to be understood that ionic compounds are formed between metals and non-metals. In these compounds, electrons are transferred from the metal atoms to the non-metal atoms to achieve stable electron configurations for both. The result of these electron transfers is the formation of ions. Ions are simply atoms (or groupings of atoms) that carry a charge because they've lost or gained electrons. The cations and anions are attracted to each other due to the opposite charges they carry.
02

Understand Empirical Formulas

An empirical formula refers to the simplest whole number ratio of elements in a compound. It gives the simplest ratio of the atoms of each element involved. This doesn't tell you the actual number of atoms. Rather, it informs you about the ratio in which the atoms are present.
03

Relate Ionic Compounds and Empirical Formulas

When ionic compounds form, they do so in a way that achieves charge balance. This means the charge on the cations and anions must add up to zero within the compound. Therefore, the formula for the ionic compound is also the simplest, whole number ratio of ions that achieves this charge balance. This aligns with the concept of the empirical formula, which is the simplest, whole number ratio of atoms or ions.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The Group \(1 \mathrm{~B}\) metals, \(\mathrm{Cu}, \mathrm{Ag},\) and \(\mathrm{Au},\) are called coinage metals. What chemical properties make them specially suitable for making coins and jewels?

Write the molecular formula of glycine, an amino acid present in proteins. The color codes are: black (carbon), blue (nitrogen), red (oxygen), and gray (hydrogen).

Give an example of a case in which two molecules have different molecular formulas but the same empirical formula.

Calculate the number of neutrons of \({ }^{239} \mathrm{Pu}\).

Fill the blanks in the following table. $$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|}\hline \text { Cation } & \text { Anion } & \text { Formula } & \text { Name } \\\\\hline & & & \text { Magnesium bicarbonate } \\\\\hline & & \mathrm{Sr} \mathrm{Cl}_{2} & \\\\\hline \mathrm{Fe}^{3+} & \mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-} & & \\ \hline & & & \text { Manganese(II) chlorate } \\\\\hline & & \mathrm{SnBr}_{4} & \\\\\hline \mathrm{Co}^{2+} & \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3-} & & \\\\\hline \mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+} & \mathrm{I}^{-} & & \\\\\hline & & \mathrm{Cu}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3} & \\\\\hline & & & \text { Lithium nitride } \\\\\hline \mathrm{Al}^{3+} & \mathrm{S}^{2-} & & \\\\\hline\end{array}$$
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.