QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
The ionic charge of lead, Pb, in the compound PbS₂ is ____
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the problem
We are given an ionic compound, PbS₂, and we need to find the ionic charge of lead (Pb).
Step 2:: Recall the rules of ionic compounds
In an ionic compound, the overall charge must be zero. This means that the sum of the charges of all the ions must equal zero. Additionally, the charge on an ion is equal to its group number in the periodic table. For transition metals, however, the charge can be determined by the oxidation state. In this case, lead is in group 14, but it has a charge of + 2 in its most common oxidation state.
Step 3:: Analyze the given compound
The compound PbS₂ contains lead (Pb) and sulfur (S). Since sulfur is in group 16, it will have a - 2 charge. The subscript ₂ indicates that there are two sulfur ions in the compound.
Step 4:: Determine the charge of lead
To maintain a neutral overall charge, the sum of the charges of all ions must equal zero. In this case, the charge of two sulfur ions is - 2 x 2 = - 4. Since the overall charge is zero, the charge of the lead ion must be + 4 to balance the - 4 charge from the sulfur ions.
Step 5:: Check the answer
We have found that the charge of lead in PbS₂ is + 4. However, this is not a common oxidation state for lead. Upon further investigation, we find that lead commonly has a + 2 oxidation state. This means that there is likely a mistake in the given compound, and it should be PbS instead of PbS₂. In PbS, lead has a + 2 charge, which is consistent with its common oxidation state.
Final Answer
In the corrected compound PbS, the ionic charge of lead is + 2.
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