Question

Write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions:

Mg+2, Pb+4, I−, O−2

Answer 1

MgI₂, MgO, PbI₄, PbO₂

Step-by-step explanation:

For an ionic compound to be formed, it must be neutral, that is the total positive charge must be equal to the total negative charge.

Mg²⁺ and I⁻: The neutral ionic compound requires 1 Mg²⁺ and 2 I⁻ and the resulting empirical formula is MgI₂.

Mg²⁺ and O²⁻: The neutral ionic compound requires 1 Mg²⁺ and 1 O²⁻ and the resulting empirical formula is MgO.

Pb⁴⁺ and I⁻: The neutral ionic compound requires 1 Pb⁴⁺ and 4 I⁻ and the resulting empirical formula is PbI₄.

Pb⁴⁺ and O²⁻: The neutral ionic compound requires 1 Pb⁴⁺ and 2 O²⁻ and the resulting empirical formula is PbO₂.