Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

3. Ionic Compounds

Ionic Bonding

GOB Chemistry

3. Ionic Compounds

Ionic Bonding

Previous problemNext problem

2:03 minutes

Problem 149a

Textbook Question

Identify the group number in the periodic table of X, a representative element, in each of the following ionic compounds:
a. XCl₃

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the problem. The goal is to determine the group number of element X in the periodic table based on the given ionic compound XCl₃. This involves analyzing the chemical formula and the charges of the ions involved.

Step 2: Recall that chlorine (Cl) is a halogen and belongs to Group 17 of the periodic table. Chlorine typically forms an ion with a charge of -1 (Cl⁻) when it gains one electron.

Step 3: Analyze the formula XCl₃. The subscript '3' indicates that there are three chloride ions (Cl⁻) in the compound. Since each Cl⁻ ion has a charge of -1, the total negative charge contributed by the three chloride ions is -3.

Step 4: To balance the charges in the compound, the positive charge of the X ion must equal the total negative charge of the chloride ions. Therefore, the X ion must have a charge of +3 (X³⁺).

Step 5: Determine the group number of X. Representative elements in the periodic table have a group number equal to the number of valence electrons. Since X forms a +3 ion, it likely has 3 valence electrons, placing it in Group 13 of the periodic table.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Representative Elements

Representative elements are found in groups 1, 2, and 13-18 of the periodic table. They are characterized by their ability to form a wide variety of compounds and exhibit predictable properties based on their group. Understanding the group number of these elements helps in predicting their ionic charges and the types of bonds they can form.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The overall charge of the compound is neutral, and the ratio of ions is determined by their charges. In the case of XCl₃, identifying the charge of the chloride ion (Cl⁻) is essential to deduce the charge of the cation (X) and thus its group number.

Group Number and Ionic Charge

The group number of an element in the periodic table often indicates its typical ionic charge. For example, elements in group 13 typically form +3 cations, while those in group 17 form -1 anions. By analyzing the ionic compound XCl₃, one can determine the group number of X by balancing the charges, leading to insights about its chemical behavior and properties.

Watch next

Master Ionic Bonding Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning