Write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions:
[tex]$Ca^{2+}, Pb^{4+}, I^{-}, O^{2-}$[/tex]
Answer (2)
Combine C a 2 + and I − to form C a I 2 .
Combine C a 2 + and O 2 − to form C a O .
Combine P b 4 + and I − to form P b I 4 .
Combine P b 4 + and O 2 − to form P b O 2 .
The four empirical formulas are: C a I 2 , C a O , P b I 4 , P b O 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given the ions C a 2 + , P b 4 + , I − , and O 2 − . We need to form at least four binary ionic compounds using these ions. A binary ionic compound consists of two elements, one cation and one anion. The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in the compound. The overall charge of the compound must be zero.
Strategy To form the compounds, we need to combine cations (positive ions) with anions (negative ions) in such a way that the total charge is neutral. We will combine each cation with each anion to see what compounds can be formed.
Forming the Compounds
Combine C a 2 + and I − : To balance the +2 charge of calcium, we need two iodide ions, each with a -1 charge. This gives us the compound C a I 2 .
Combine C a 2 + and O 2 − : The charges are +2 and -2, so they balance each other in a 1:1 ratio. This gives us the compound C a O .
Combine P b 4 + and I − : To balance the +4 charge of lead, we need four iodide ions, each with a -1 charge. This gives us the compound P b I 4 .
Combine P b 4 + and O 2 − : To balance the +4 charge of lead, we need two oxide ions, each with a -2 charge. This gives us the compound P b O 2 .
Final Answer The four empirical formulas are C a I 2 , C a O , P b I 4 , and P b O 2 .
Examples
Binary ionic compounds are essential in various applications. For instance, sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt, is used to season food and as a preservative. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is used to melt ice on roads during winter. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is used in antacids to neutralize stomach acid. Understanding how these compounds are formed helps us appreciate their roles in everyday life and various industrial processes. The formation of these compounds follows the principle of charge balance, where the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
The four empirical formulas of binary ionic compounds formed from the ions C a 2 + , P b 4 + , I − , and O 2 − are C a I 2 , C a O , P b I 4 , and P b O 2 . Each compound is formed by balancing the charges of the cations and anions. This ensures that the total charge of the compound is neutral.
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