93.7k views
23 votes
Write the formula for the compound formed between rubidium and sulfur. Group of answer choices RbS2 Rb2SO3 Rb2S RbS Rb3S2

User Binus
by
4.7k points

1 Answer

12 votes

Answer: Rb₂S

Step-by-step explanation:

Rubidium is in group one, so it has one outer electron, forming a 1+ ion when it becomes a rubidium ion.

Sulfur is in group six or sixteen, so it has six outer electrons, forming a 2- ion when it becomes a sulfide ion.

When these two elements bond it is an ionic bond, as it is between a metal and non-metal.

As you need to balance the charges for ionic compounds, there must be two rubidium ions so that the two rubidium ions (2+) and sulfide ion (2-) charges cancel out/are equal.

As a result, it is Rb₂S.

User Greg Whitfield
by
4.4k points