Question

Which of the following atoms would be expected to form negative ions in binary ionic compounds and which would be expected to form positive ions: Br, Ca, Na, N, F, Al, Sn, S, Cd?

a) Negative: Br, N, F, S; Positive: Ca, Na, Al, Sn, Cd
b) Negative: Br, N, F, S, Cd; Positive: Ca, Na, Al, Sn
c) Negative: Br, N, F, S, Al, Cd; Positive: Ca, Na, Sn
d) Negative: Br, N, F; Positive: Ca, Na, Al, Sn, S, Cd

Answer 1

In binary ionic compounds, non-metals like Br, N, F, and S form negative ions, while metals like Ca, Na, Al, Sn, and Cd form positive ions, hence the correct distribution of ions is negative for Br, N, F, S and positive for Ca, Na, Al, Sn, Cd.

Step-by-step explanation:

In binary ionic compounds, atoms form ions that have charges corresponding to the nearest noble gas electron configuration. Atoms of non-metal elements tend to gain electrons to form negative ions (anions), whereas atoms of metal elements tend to lose electrons to form positive ions (cations). Based on their position in the periodic table:

• Br, N, F, and S would be expected to form negative ions. These elements are non-metals and more likely to gain electrons.
• Ca, Na, Al, Sn, and Cd would be expected to form positive ions. These elements are metals and more inclined to lose electrons to achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.

Therefore, the correct answer is a) Negative: Br, N, F, S; Positive: Ca, Na, Al, Sn, Cd.