Write formulas for the following binary compounds: (a) Vanadium(III) chloride (b) Manganese(IV) oxide (c) Copper(II) sulfide (d) Aluminum oxide

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the cation and its charge for each compound: (a) Vanadium(III) has a charge of +3, (b) Manganese(IV) has a charge of +4, (c) Copper(II) has a charge of +2, (d) Aluminum has a charge of +3.
2. Identify the anion and its charge for each compound: (a) Chloride (Cl) has a charge of -1, (b) Oxide (O) has a charge of -2, (c) Sulfide (S) has a charge of -2, (d) Oxide (O) has a charge of -2.
3. Balance the charges to ensure the compound is neutral: (a) Combine Vanadium(III) and Chloride to balance the charges, (b) Combine Manganese(IV) and Oxide to balance the charges, (c) Combine Copper(II) and Sulfide to balance the charges, (d) Combine Aluminum and Oxide to balance the charges.
4. Write the chemical formula by placing the cation first followed by the anion, using subscripts to indicate the number of each ion needed to balance the charges.
5. Double-check the formulas to ensure that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, confirming the compound is neutral.

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when metals transfer electrons to nonmetals, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the creation of a stable compound. Understanding the charges of the ions involved is crucial for writing the correct formulas for binary compounds.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states, or oxidation numbers, indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. They help in determining how many electrons an atom has gained, lost, or shared during the formation of a compound. For example, in Vanadium(III) chloride, the Roman numeral III indicates that vanadium has an oxidation state of +3, which is essential for writing the correct formula.

Naming Conventions for Binary Compounds

The naming conventions for binary compounds involve using the names of the constituent elements along with their oxidation states when necessary. For example, in Copper(II) sulfide, the 'II' indicates that copper has a +2 oxidation state. This systematic approach ensures clarity and consistency in chemical nomenclature, which is vital for accurately writing chemical formulas.