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When the elements calcium and sulfur form an ionic compound, the correct formula is:

A) CaS
B) Ca₂S
C) CaS₂
D) Ca₃S₂

User ClayKaboom
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1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Calcium and sulfur form an ionic compound with the formula CaS, each contributing a 2+ and 2- charge, respectively, resulting in a neutral compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

When calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) combine to form an ionic compound, the calcium atom, which has a charge of 2+ (Ca2+), will typically lose two electrons, and the sulfur atom, which will gain two electrons, forms a sulfide ion with a 2- charge (S2-). The resulting ions are Ca2+ and S2-. When these two ions combine to form an ionic compound, they do so in a ratio that balances the total positive and negative charges. Hence, for each Ca2+ ion, one S2- ion is required, leading to a 1:1 ratio. Therefore, the correct formula is CaS, which means the answer is option A) CaS.

User Chris Burton
by
7.8k points
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