In: Chemistry
Decide whether each pair of elements in the table below will form an ionic compound. If they will, write the empirical formula of the compound formed in the space provided.
An ionic compound is formed when an electropositive element loses electrons to from a cation and an electronegative element gains electrons to form an anion. In an ionic compound, cation and anion are held together by electrostatic force of attraction called as ionic bond.
1.
Calcium and potassium both are electropositive elements and can
lose electrons to form cation. Thus, together they can not form
ionic compound as there will not be any anion.
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2.
Potassium is an electropositive element and it can lose electron to form cation. Oxygen is an electronegative element and it can gain electrons to form anion. Thus, together potassium and oxygen can form an ionic compound.
Empirical formula of ionic compound formed by potassium and
oxygen is K2O and name is
Potassium oxide.
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3.
Cesium is an electropositive element and it can lose electron to form cation. Fluorine is an electronegative element and it can gain electron to form anion. Thus, together cesium and fluorine can form an ionic compound.
Empirical formula of ionic compound formed by cesium and
fluorine is CsF and name of the compound is cesium
fluoride.
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4.
Magnesium is an electropositive element and it can lose electrons to form cation. Chlorine is an electronegative element and it can gain electron to form anion. Thus, together magnesium and chlorine can form an ionic compound.
Empirical formula of ionic compound formed by magnesium and chlorine is MgCl2 and name of the compound is magnesium chloride.