Which of the following atoms will bond with O in a 1:1 ratio of O and that element:
a) Lithium
b) Boron
c) Beryllium
d) Nitrogen
To solve the problem we have to look for the oxidation states of these elements.
Li: +1 B: +3 Be: +2 N: +5
These compounds will form an oxide with oxygen. The usual oxidation state of oxygen is -2. To form an oxide, we have to combine our element with oxygen and produce a compound with neutral charge.
For example, Li is +1, O is -2, so we have to combine 2 atoms of Li with one atom of O. The formula for the lithium oxide is Li₂O. Similarly we can form the other oxides. We will obtain:
Li₂O B₂O₃ BeO N₂O₅
If we look at the formulas of these oxides, the only one that will bond with O in a 1:1 ratio is Beryllium since its formula is BeO (it has one atom of O and one atom of Be).
Answer: c) Beryllium.