Questions: A new ion with a formula of XO3 is discovered. When combined with sodium, the new polyatomic ion forms a compound with a formula Na3XO3. What is the charge on the XO3 ion?
Transcript text: A new ion with a formula of $\mathrm{XO}_{3}$ is discovered. When combined with sodium, the new polyatomic ion forms a compound with a formula $\mathrm{Na}_{3} \mathrm{XO}_{3}$. What is the charge on the $\mathrm{XO}_{3}$ ion?
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Determine the Charge of Sodium Ion
Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal and typically forms a cation with a charge of \(+1\). Therefore, each sodium ion in the compound \(\mathrm{Na}_3\mathrm{XO}_3\) has a charge of \(+1\).
Step 2: Calculate the Total Positive Charge from Sodium Ions
Since there are three sodium ions in the compound \(\mathrm{Na}_3\mathrm{XO}_3\), the total positive charge contributed by the sodium ions is:
\[
3 \times (+1) = +3
\]
Step 3: Determine the Charge on the \(\mathrm{XO}_3\) Ion
For the compound \(\mathrm{Na}_3\mathrm{XO}_3\) to be electrically neutral, the total positive charge must be balanced by the total negative charge. Therefore, the charge on the \(\mathrm{XO}_3\) ion must be \(-3\) to balance the \(+3\) charge from the sodium ions.
Final Answer
The charge on the \(\mathrm{XO}_3\) ion is \(\boxed{-3}\).