Final answer:
For compound X2Y3, atom X is expected to have a +2 ionic charge and atom Y a -3 ionic charge to maintain charge neutrality in the stable ionic solid.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the compound X2Y3, which is a stable solid, you can determine the ionic charges of X and Y by using the principle of charge neutrality. The total positive charge contributed by the cations (X) should balance the total negative charge from the anions (Y) in a stable ionic compound. Since we have 2 atoms of X and 3 atoms of Y, we can infer that the charges must balance in a 2 to 3 ratio to cancel out. The smallest whole numbers that achieve this are 2 for X and -3 for Y, meaning that atom X would most likely have a +2 charge and atom Y would have a -3 charge.
Ionic solids are comprised of interpenetrating lattices of oppositely charged ions. These ions are held together by the strong electrostatic forces of attraction known as ionic bonds. Given the requirements of electrical neutrality and the charges involved, X2Y3 reflects a classic ionic compound, adhering to the theoretical balance of coulombic forces in its crystal lattice structure.