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. (b) Calcium and oxygen

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charges of the ions formed by each element. Calcium (Ca) typically forms a +2 cation (Ca^2+), and oxygen (O) typically forms a -2 anion (O^2-).
2. Write the formula by balancing the charges of the ions. Since both ions have charges of magnitude 2, they will combine in a 1:1 ratio to neutralize each other's charge.
3. Write the chemical formula using the appropriate subscripts for each ion to indicate the ratio in which they combine. In this case, it is CaO, as each ion has a subscript of 1.
4. Name the compound by first stating the name of the metal (calcium) and then the base name of the non-metal with the suffix '-ide'.
5. The name of the compound formed by calcium and oxygen is calcium oxide.

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 are crucial in determining how an element will react chemically. In the case of calcium and oxygen, calcium has two valence electrons that it can lose to form a cation (Ca²⁺), while oxygen has six valence electrons and tends to gain two electrons to form an anion (O²⁻).

Naming Ionic Compounds

The naming of ionic compounds follows specific conventions. The cation is named first, followed by the anion. For example, in the compound formed from calcium and oxygen, the cation is calcium (Ca²⁺) and the anion is oxide (O²⁻), resulting in the compound name calcium oxide. The formula is derived from the charges of the ions, leading to CaO.