Questions: What is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed from the cation X^(2+) and the anion Y^(-) that results in zero overall charge?

Transcript text: What is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed from the cation $\mathbf{X}^{\mathbf{2 +}}$ and the anion $\mathbf{Y}^{-}$that results in zero overall charge?

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the charges of the ions

The cation is $\mathbf{X}^{2+}$ and the anion is $\mathbf{Y}^{-}$.

Step 2: Determine the ratio of ions needed for charge neutrality

To achieve zero overall charge, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. Since $\mathbf{X}^{2+}$ has a charge of $+2$ and $\mathbf{Y}^{-}$ has a charge of $-1$, we need two $\mathbf{Y}^{-}$ ions to balance one $\mathbf{X}^{2+}$ ion.

Step 3: Write the formula based on the ratio

The formula for the ionic compound will have one $\mathbf{X}^{2+}$ ion and two $\mathbf{Y}^{-}$ ions, resulting in $\mathrm{XY}_2$.