Question

Write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions:

Mg2+, Al3+, F−, O2−

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Here are four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the given ions, along with their empirical formulas:

Magnesium fluoride: Mg2+ + 2F- → MgF2 (empirical formula: MF2)

Aluminum oxide: 2Al3+ + 3O2- → Al2O3 (empirical formula: Al2O3)

Magnesium oxide: Mg2+ + O2- → MgO (empirical formula: MO)

Aluminum fluoride: Al3+ + 3F- → AlF3 (empirical formula: AlF3)

In each case, the positive and negative charges balance to give a neutral compound. The empirical formula of each compound shows the simplest ratio of the elements present in the compound.