Mastering Binary Ionic Compounds

Front

What is a binary ionic compound?

Back

A binary ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of two different elements, one being a metal (cation) and the other a non-metal (anion), that are held together by ionic bonds.

Front

How do you determine the charge of a cation?

Back

The charge of a cation is determined by the number of electrons it loses when it forms an ion. For example, sodium (Na) loses one electron to form Na⁺.

Front

What is the charge of an oxide ion?

Back

The charge of an oxide ion (O) is -2, represented as O²⁻.

Front

How do you balance charges in a compound?

Back

To balance charges, the total positive charge from cations must equal the total negative charge from anions. For example, in Al₂O₃, 2 Al³⁺ (total +6) balances with 3 O²⁻ (total -6).

Front

What is the correct name for NaCl?

Back

The correct name for NaCl is sodium chloride.

Front

What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion (e.g., Na⁺), while an anion is a negatively charged ion (e.g., Cl⁻).

Front

What is the charge of a lithium ion?

Back

The charge of a lithium ion (Li) is +1, represented as Li⁺.

Front

What is the formula for lithium oxide?

Back

The formula for lithium oxide is Li₂O.

Front

How do you write the formula for a binary ionic compound?

Back

To write the formula, determine the charges of the cation and anion, then combine them in a way that the total charge is neutral. For example, for Na⁺ and Cl⁻, the formula is NaCl.

Front

What is the charge of a sodium ion?

Back

The charge of a sodium ion (Na) is +1, represented as Na⁺.