Answer: Element X must be a metal since it forms a positive ion, and Element Y must be a non-metal since it balances the charge as negative.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some examples of the possible elements for X and Y are:
- X = sodium (Na) and Y = chlorine (Cl) -> NaCl (sodium chloride)
- X = magnesium (Mg) and Y = oxygen (O) -> MgO (magnesium oxide)
- X = calcium (Ca) and Y = sulfur (S) -> CaS (calcium sulfide)
- X = aluminum (Al) and Y = fluorine (F) -> AlF3 (aluminum fluoride)