Give systematic names for the following binary compounds: (b) K₂O

Key Concepts

Binary Compounds

Binary compounds consist of two different elements. In chemistry, these compounds can be ionic or covalent, depending on the nature of the bonding between the elements. Understanding the type of elements involved (metals vs. nonmetals) is crucial for determining the naming conventions used in systematic nomenclature.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when metals transfer electrons to nonmetals, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. In the case of K2O, potassium (K) is a metal that forms a cation (K+) and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal that forms an anion (O2-). The systematic naming of ionic compounds involves naming the cation first followed by the anion.

Nomenclature Rules

The systematic naming of compounds follows specific rules established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). For binary ionic compounds, the name of the metal is followed by the name of the nonmetal with its ending changed to '-ide.' For K2O, the systematic name is potassium oxide, reflecting the elements involved and their respective charges.