Question

A chemical reaction takes place among 3 molecular ions that have each lost 2 electrons, 2 molecular ions that have each gained 3 electrons, and 1 molecular ion that has gained 2 electrons. The products of the reaction are two neutral molecules and multiple molecular ions that each have a charge of magnitude e. How many molecular ions are produced, and are they charged positively or negatively?

Answer 1

2 molecular ions are produced and they are charged negatively

Step-by-step explanation:

If an ion loses an electron then its charge is +1, if it gains an electron then its charge is -1

3 molecular ions lost 2 electrons each, each ion is charged +2

Total charge = 3(+2) = +6

2 molecular ions gained 3 electrons each, each ion is charged -3

Total charge = 2(-3) = -6

1 molarcular ion gained 2 electrons, ion is charged -2

Net charge of the reactants is:

+6 -6 -2 = -2

The net charge of the reactants must be the same as the net charge of the products.

In the products you have 2 neutral molecules (with charge 0) and molecular ions with a charge of magnitude e.

Since the net charge in the reactants is negative, the net charge in the products is also negative

If the number of molecular ions in the products is x then its total charge is:

x*(-1) = -2

x = 2