Write the correct ionic formula for the compound formed between each of the following pairs of ions:e. Al³⁺ and S²⁻

Ionic compounds are formed when positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) bond together through electrostatic forces. The overall charge of the compound must be neutral, meaning the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Understanding how to combine these ions based on their charges is essential for writing correct ionic formulas.

Charge balance is a fundamental principle in forming ionic compounds. Each ion has a specific charge, and when combining ions, the total positive charge from cations must equal the total negative charge from anions. For example, in the case of Al³⁺ (with a +3 charge) and S²⁻ (with a -2 charge), the charges must be balanced to determine the correct ratio of ions in the formula.

Chemical formula notation is a way to represent the composition of a compound using symbols and numbers. In ionic compounds, the formula is written with the cation first followed by the anion, and subscripts are used to indicate the number of each ion needed to achieve charge balance. For Al³⁺ and S²⁻, the correct formula is Al₂S₃, indicating two aluminum ions and three sulfide ions combine to form a neutral compound.