154k views
2 votes
An unknown metal with a charge of 2 combines with oxygen. How many ions are needed in a neutral compound of this metal and oxygen?

User Korsarq
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

2 votes

The oxidation state of O is -2, except in the alkaline fluorine compounds, the peroxides, where it is -1, in the superoxides, it is -1/2 and in oxygen fluoride (OF2), where it is +2.

As the metal does not meet any of the exceptions the oxidation state of the oxygen will be -2.

We are told that the metal has a charge of +2, therefore we will need:


M^(+2)O^(-2)

We will need one ion of oxygen and one ion of metal.

User Heyydrien
by
8.1k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.