Chapter U1, Problem 8RE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given atoms of elements need to be identified as metals and non-metals. Also, three possible ionic compounds formed from these atoms needs to be identified and named.

Concept introduction:

An atom can lose or gain the electrons to form cation and an anion. The ionic bond is formed between atoms by the complete transfer of electrons.

Explanation of Solution

A Cation has a positive charge formed by the losing of electrons and an anion has a negative charge formed by the gain of the electrons. The transfer of electrons between atoms forms an ionic bond. This transfer takes place from cation to anion.

Metals tend to lose electrons so they will form cations and nonmetals tend to gain electrons so they will form an anion.

These cation and anion combine to form ionic compounds.

The given atoms are sorted as metals and non-metals as follows:

Na is metal because it belongs to group 1 of the periodic table and can easily lose 1 electron to form ${\text{Na}}^{+}$ ion.

S is a non-metal because it belongs to the oxygen family in the periodic table. It can gain 2 electrons to form ${\text{S}}^{2-}$ ion.

Cl is a non-metal because it belongs to the halogen family. It can gain 1 electron to form ${\text{Cl}}^{-}$ ion.

Sr is metal. It belongs to group 2 in the periodic table thus, it can lose 2 electrons to form ${\text{Sr}}^{2+}$ ion.

Mg is metal and it also belongs to group 2 thus, it can form ${\text{Mg}}^{2+}$ ion.

Se is a non-metal it belongs to the carbon family thus, it can share electrons to form covalent compounds.

I is a non-metal and it belongs to the halogen family or group 17 thus, it can gain 1 electron to get -1 charge.

Cu is a transition metal it can lose 1 and 2 electrons to form ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+}$ and ${\text{Cu}}^{2+}$ ions respectively.

The three possible ionic compounding will be:

Na (metal)  Cl (non-metal ) – NaCl  (sodium chloride)

Mg (metal) S (non-metal) – MgS (magnesium sulfide)

Cu (metal) Cl (non-metal ) – CuCl   (copper chloride)