Question

What are the formulas and names for the ionic compounds that form from the following pairs of elements?

A) Mg and O: MgO (Magnesium Oxide)
Li and F: LiF (Lithium Fluoride)
Ca and Cl: CaCl_2 (Calcium Chloride)
B) Mg and O: Mg_2O (Magnesium Dioxide)
Li and F: Li2F (Lithium Difluoride)
Ca and Cl: CaCl (Calcium Chloride)
C) Mg and O: MgO (Magnesium Oxide)
Li and F: LiF (Lithium Fluoride)
Ca and Cl: CaCl (Calcium Chloride)
D) Mg and O: MgO_2 (Magnesium Peroxide)
Li and F: LiF_2 (Lithium Difluoride)
Ca and Cl: CaCl_3 (Calcium Trichloride)

Answer 1

The correct formula for magnesium and oxygen is MgO, which is magnesium oxide. Lithium combined with fluoride forms LiF, known as lithium fluoride. Calcium and chloride join to make CaCl2, called calcium chloride.

Step-by-step explanation:

When forming ionic compounds, the formula is created by combining the cations and anions in a ratio that results in a neutral compound. This involves balancing the total positive charge with the total negative charge. Here are the correct formulas and names for the ionic compounds from the given pairs of ions:

• magnesium and oxygen: MgO (Magnesium Oxide)
• lithium and fluoride: LiF (Lithium Fluoride)
• Calcium and chloride: CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride)

All other listed combinations (B, C, D) contain incorrect formulas or names.