Considering the formation of a chemical formula, the chemical formula is Li₂O.
Ionic compounds
Cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) combine to form ionic compounds, which must be electrically neutral. Therefore, the cations and anions must combine in such a way that the net charge contributed by the total number of cations exactly cancels the net charge contributed by the total number of anions.
Formation of a chemical formula
To form the chemical formula:
- It is first necessary to place the chemical symbol of the element that is a cation, and then the negative part (anion).
- Since the net charge of the compound formed must be zero (that is, add zero), when cations and anions with different charges are joined, it is necessary to cross them and place them as subscripts of the other element. In this way, balanced loads are obtained, that is, the algebraic sum is equal to zero.
Chemical formula in this case
Lithium (Li) has a charge of +1, and oxygen has a charge of -2. Taking into account the above, the chemical formula is Li₂O.