Chapter 7.2, Problem 12LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The electrical charge of an ionic compound needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:Ionic compound is formed by the chemical combination of a metal and a non-metal. Here, metal tends to be electron-rich, and non-metal tends to be electron deficient. Thus, metals donate electron/s to form a positively charged ion or cation and non-metals accept electron/s to form a negatively charged ion or anion.

Answer to Problem 12LC

Ionic compounds are said to be electrically neutral or have zero electrical charges.

Explanation of Solution

In an ionic compound, metal and non-metal chemically combine. Here, the metal loses electrons, and non-metal gains electrons. The charge on the metal and non-metal depends on the number of electrons lost and gained respectively. Here, metal and non-metals are combined in a ratio such that the total charge is zero. For example, if metal M has a +2 charge and non-metal X has a -1 charge, both M and X combine in the ratio of 2:1 and form ${\text{M}}_{\text{2}}\text{X}$ compound. Here, 2 ${\text{M}}^{+}$ and 1 ${\text{X}}^{2-}$ ions are combined.

Since metal and non-metal always combine in the ratio so the total charge of the compound is zero; thus, an ionic compound is always electrically neutral.

Thus, ionic compounds are said to be electrically neutral or have zero electrical charges.