In a molecule of lithium sulfide, there are two atoms of lithium and one atoms of sulfur. Which statement about lithium sulfide is correct?
1. The chemical formula for lithium sulfide is LiS2
2. Both lithium and sulfur form positive ions
3. The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds
4. A molecular model of lithium sulfide would have two spheres
The correct statement about lithium sulfide is:
3. The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds
The correct statement about lithium sulfide is:
3. The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds.
To determine which statement is correct about lithium sulfide, let's analyze each option:
1. The chemical formula for lithium sulfide is LiS2: This is not correct. According to the information given, there are two atoms of lithium and one atom of sulfur, indicating the chemical formula should be Li2S.
2. Both lithium and sulfur form positive ions: This statement is incorrect. Lithium is an alkali metal and tends to lose one electron to form a positive ion (Li+). Conversely, sulfur is a nonmetal and tends to gain two electrons to form a negative ion (S2-). So, while lithium forms a positive ion, sulfur forms a negative ion.
3. The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds: This statement is correct. In lithium sulfide, the atoms of lithium and sulfur are held together by chemical bonds. Specifically, they form an ionic bond, where lithium gives one electron to sulfur to achieve a stable electronic configuration.
4. A molecular model of lithium sulfide would have two spheres: This statement is not correct. In an ionic compound like lithium sulfide, a molecular model would not consist of separate spheres representing atoms. Instead, it would show a lattice structure with alternating lithium and sulfide ions arranged in a repeating pattern.
Therefore, the correct statement about lithium sulfide is: The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds (option 3).