Question

Determine the formula unit for the compound formed when each pairs of ions interact: Ba²⁺ and NO³⁻

Answer 1

The formula unit for the compound formed when Ba²⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions interact is Ba(NO₃)₂.

Explanation

In this ionic compound, the Ba²⁺ ion, derived from barium, interacts with the NO₃⁻ ion, derived from nitrate. Barium, a Group 2 metal, loses two electrons to achieve a stable octet, forming Ba²⁺ ions. On the other hand, the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) comprises a nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, carrying a charge of -1.

To balance charges, one Ba²⁺ ion combines with two NO₃⁻ ions. Ba²⁺ has a 2+ charge, while NO₃⁻ carries a 1- charge. The resulting formula unit reflects this ratio, hence Ba(NO₃)₂.

Barium, being in Group 2 of the periodic table, readily forms ions by losing its two valence electrons. Nitrate (NO₃⁻) is a polyatomic ion that maintains its structure in ionic compounds.

The compound's formula represents the balance of charges to achieve neutrality; this is attained by combining two NO₃⁻ ions with one Ba²⁺ ion, resulting in the formula Ba(NO₃)₂. This compound, through the combination of these ions, showcases the ionic bonding pattern and reflects the charge balance between the cation (Ba²⁺) and anion (NO₃⁻) to create a stable compound.

Answer 2

The formula unit for the compound formed when Ba²⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions interact is Ba(NO₃)₂.

Step-by-step explanation:

When ions interact to form a compound, they combine in such a way that the resulting compound has a neutral charge. In this case, the Ba²⁺ ion, which has a 2+ charge, combines with the NO₃⁻ ion, which has a 1- charge. To balance the charges and achieve a neutral compound, two NO₃⁻ ions are needed for every Ba²⁺ ion. Therefore, the formula unit for the compound is Ba(NO₃)₂.

In terms of the chemical formula, the subscript "2" in NO₃ indicates that there are two NO₃⁻ ions for each Ba²⁺ ion. This is determined by the charges on the ions: the 2+ charge on Ba²⁺ and the 1- charge on NO₃⁻. The charges must balance to create a compound with no net charge. The parentheses around NO₃ are used to indicate that NO₃ is a polyatomic ion, and the subscript outside the parentheses indicates the number of NO₃ ions present.

In summary, the formula unit Ba(NO₃)₂ is a result of the combination of Ba²⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions in a way that ensures the overall charge of the compound is neutral. The subscript "2" is crucial for maintaining the electrical balance between the positive and negative ions, reflecting the stoichiometry of the compound.