QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions: Mg^2 +, Ar−, S^2−, O^2−.
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the problem
The problem asks us to find the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds. A binary ionic compound is composed of two elements: a metal and a nonmetal. In this case, we are given four ions: Mg²+, Ar⁻, S²⁻, and O²⁻. Since Ar⁻ is a noble gas, it will not form an ionic compound. Therefore, we will consider Mg²+, S²−, and O²− to form binary ionic compounds.
Step 2:: Find the whole-number ratio of cations and anions
To find the empirical formula, we need to determine the whole-number ratio of cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions) in each compound. We are given three ions: Mg²+, S²⁻, and O²−.
Step 3:: Calculate the possible binary ionic compounds
(a) Mg²+ and S²⁻: To balance the charge, we need one Mg²+ and one S²⁻ ion. The empirical formula is MS. (b) Mg²+ and 2O²−: To balance the charge, we need one Mg²+ and two O²− ions. The empirical formula is MgO₂. (c) 2Mg²+ and S²⁻: To balance the charge, we need two Mg²+ and one S²⁻ ions. The empirical formula is Mg₂S. (d) 2Mg²+ and 3O²−: To balance the charge, we need two Mg²+ and three O²− ions. The empirical formula is Mg₂O₃.
Final Answer
The empirical formulas of four binary ionic compounds are MS, MgO₂, Mg₂S, and Mg₂O₃.
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