Question

Consider the reaction X + Z ?

Assume the following:
1) The product is an ionic compound.
2) Element X has three valence electrons
3) Element Z needs two valence electrons to have completed s & p subshells (full octet)
What would make the most sense for the formula of the product?

Answer 1

The ionic compound formed by elements X and Z, where X has three valence electrons and Z requires two electrons to complete an octet, will have the chemical formula Al2O3, ensuring electrical neutrality.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that element X has three valence electrons, and element Z needs two valence electrons to complete its octet, we can deduce that element X is likely in group 13 of the periodic table, which includes elements such as aluminum (Al) with a 3+ charge. Element Z, needing two electrons, is likely in group 16, which includes elements like oxygen (O) with a 2- charge.

Because ionic compounds must be electrically neutral, the charges of the ions must balance out. In this case, two aluminum ions (Al3+) will balance with three oxide ions (O2-) to achieve neutrality. Thus, the formula of the ionic compound formed when element X and Z react would be Al2O3.

Answer 2

X2Z3

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the clues, X is a metal and Z is a non-metal.

X could be aluminum and Z would need to be an element from the oxygen family.