Final answer:
The charge on ion X in the ionic compound with the formula M2X3 must balance the charge of the metal cations M for the compound to be electrically neutral. Without the specific charge of M, we assume each X ion has a charge of -2 to meet the neutrality condition. Thus, the correct answer is D) -2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the charge on ion X in the ionic compound with the general formula M2X3, we start by considering that the compound must be electrically neutral. This means the total positive charge from the cations (M) must balance the total negative charge from the anions (X).
Assuming that the symbol M represents a metal cation with a positive charge, if we have two such cations (M+), the only way to achieve electrical neutrality with three X ions is if each X ion has a charge of -2. This is because three ions with a net charge of -2 each will give a total charge of -6, which will be balanced by two cations each with a +3 charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
However, since the question did not specify the charge on M, we cannot determine the exact charge on M but can infer the charge balance condition. If M were to have a +2 charge (as in Mg2+ for magnesium), then each X would need to have a charge of -2 to make the compound M2X3 electrically neutral.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D) -2.