Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes how to write formulas for binary ionic compounds?
A
Write the symbol of the cation first, followed by the symbol of the anion, and balance the charges so the total charge is zero.
B
Write the formula by using the same number of each ion as their charges.
C
Write the symbol of the anion first, followed by the symbol of the cation, and do not balance the charges.
D
Combine the symbols of the elements in alphabetical order, regardless of their charges.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a binary ionic compound consists of a cation (positively charged ion) and an anion (negatively charged ion).
Start by writing the symbol of the cation first, because cations are always written before anions in ionic formulas.
Next, write the symbol of the anion after the cation.
Balance the charges by adjusting the subscripts of each ion so that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
Remember that the subscripts represent the number of each ion needed to balance the overall charge, not necessarily the same as the charge numbers themselves.