Write formulas for compounds of rubidium with each of the following: (a) Bromine (b) Nitrogen (c) Selenium

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when metals react with nonmetals, resulting in the transfer of electrons. In this case, rubidium (a metal) will lose one electron to form a cation (Rb⁺), while nonmetals like bromine, nitrogen, and selenium will gain electrons to form anions. The resulting compounds are held together by electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. Rubidium typically has an oxidation state of +1 due to its position in Group 1 of the periodic table. Understanding the oxidation states of the nonmetals involved (bromine, nitrogen, and selenium) is essential for determining the correct ratios of ions in the resulting formulas.

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas represent the composition of a compound using symbols for the elements and numerical subscripts to indicate the number of atoms. For rubidium compounds, the formula is derived by balancing the total positive charge from rubidium cations with the total negative charge from the anions formed by bromine, nitrogen, and selenium, ensuring electrical neutrality in the compound.