Chapter 9, Problem 63A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The method for writing the chemical formula of binary ionic compounds from their names is to be stated.

Concept Introduction: In a binary ionic compound, the name of the cation is written first followed by the name of the anion. The total charge of cations is equal to that of the anions, hence the compound is overall neutral.

Answer to Problem 63A

To write the chemical formula of binary ionic compounds write the symbol of the elements and use the prefixes to determine the subscripts to neutralize the compound. To write the name from the chemical formula, the name of the cation is written first followed by the name of the anion.

Explanation of Solution

Write the symbol and charge of the cation first and that of the anion second. Then the magnitude of charges is interchanged to become the subscript to ensure electrical neutrality. E.g. ${\text{Li}}^{\text{+}}{\text{O}}^{2-}\to {\text{Li}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{1}}\to {\text{Li}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ .