Each of the following pairs of elements will react to form a binary ionic compound. Write the formula of each compound formed, and give its name. (d) Barium and flourine

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charges of the ions formed by each element. Barium (Ba) typically forms a +2 cation (Ba^2+), and fluorine (F) forms a -1 anion (F^-).
2. Determine the simplest ratio of ions that will result in a neutral compound. Since barium has a +2 charge and fluorine has a -1 charge, two fluorine ions are needed to balance the charge of one barium ion.
3. Write the formula for the compound by placing the cation first followed by the anion. As determined, the ratio of barium to fluorine is 1:2, so the formula is BaF2.
4. Name the compound by first stating the name of the cation (barium) and then the name of the anion with an 'ide' suffix. Since the anion is fluorine, its name changes to fluoride in the compound name.
5. Combine the names to get the full name of the compound: barium fluoride.

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, creating a stable compound. The formula of an ionic compound reflects the ratio of the ions involved, ensuring that the overall charge is neutral.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and play a crucial role in chemical bonding. The number of valence electrons determines how an element will react with others, particularly in forming ionic bonds. For example, barium has two valence electrons that it can lose to form a cation, while fluorine has seven valence electrons and can gain one to form an anion.

Naming Ionic Compounds

The naming of ionic compounds follows specific conventions. The cation (positive ion) is named first, followed by the anion (negative ion). For example, in the case of barium and fluorine, barium forms a cation (Ba²⁺) and fluorine forms an anion (F⁻), resulting in the compound name 'barium fluoride' with the formula BaF₂.