Final Answer:
The stable ionic compound formed by the hypothetical atoms M and X can be represented as MXₙ, where n is the ratio of M to X required for charge neutrality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In chemical reactions involving the formation of ionic compounds, atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable, noble gas electron configuration. In this case, M and X are assumed to form an ionic compound. M, being a metal, tends to lose electrons to achieve a stable, positive charge, while X, as a non-metal, tends to gain electrons to attain a stable, negative charge. The combination of these oppositely charged ions results in the formation of an ionic compound.
The subscript n in MXₙ represents the ratio of M to X required for charge balance. The charge on M, when it loses electrons, must be equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the charge on X when it gains electrons. The subscript n is determined by the ratio of the ion charges. For example, if M forms a 2+ ion and X forms a 1- ion, the ratio would be 1:2, resulting in the formula MX₂.
In summary, the stable ionic compound formed by hypothetical atoms M and X is denoted as MXₙ, where n represents the ratio of M to X necessary for charge neutrality. This formulation reflects the principle of electron transfer between metal and non-metal elements to achieve stable electronic configurations.