Give the names and charges of the cation and anion in each of the following compounds: (c) Al1ClO323

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the cation in the compound. The cation is typically the first element or group in the formula. In this case, it is Al (aluminum).
2. Determine the charge of the cation. Aluminum typically forms a +3 charge, so the cation is Al^{3+}.
3. Identify the anion in the compound. The anion is usually the remaining part of the formula after the cation. Here, it is ClO_3.
4. Determine the charge of the anion. The chlorate ion (ClO_3) typically has a charge of -1, so the anion is ClO_3^{-}.
5. Combine the names and charges: The cation is aluminum (Al^{3+}) and the anion is chlorate (ClO_3^{-}).

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of charged particles known as ions. These compounds typically consist of a cation, which is a positively charged ion, and an anion, which is a negatively charged ion. The overall charge of the compound is neutral, meaning the total positive charge from the cations equals the total negative charge from the anions.

Cation and Anion Identification

To identify cations and anions in a compound, one must recognize the elements involved and their common oxidation states. Cations are usually metals that lose electrons, while anions are typically nonmetals or polyatomic ions that gain electrons. In the compound Al1ClO3^2, aluminum (Al) acts as the cation, while the chlorate ion (ClO3) serves as the anion.

Charge Balance in Compounds

In ionic compounds, the charges of the cations and anions must balance to achieve electrical neutrality. This means that the total positive charge contributed by the cations must equal the total negative charge contributed by the anions. For example, in Al1ClO3^2, the aluminum cation has a +3 charge, while the chlorate ion has a -1 charge, necessitating three chlorate ions to balance the charge.