for each of the pairs of elements below give the formula for the simplest compound to be formed from them and explain the basis of your decision and note if the bond(s) formed are ionic or covalent.
a) silicon and oxygen (SiO2)
b) chlorine and bromine (BrCl)
Thanks!
Your formulas are right.
In general, ionic bonds are formed when elements from the sides of the periodic table (left side and right side) combine. Examples are LiCl, BaCl2, AlCl3 etc.
In general, covalent bonds are formed when elements from the center combine with left or right side elements (examples are CH4, CCl4, SiCl4) OR when elements from the same side combine with each other (examples are Cl2, Br2, I2, F2, O2, N2, ClF, ).
a) The formula for the simplest compound formed from silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) is SiO2. This compound is known as silicon dioxide or silica.
To determine the formula, we need to consider the valence electrons of each element. Silicon has four valence electrons, while oxygen has six valence electrons. In order to achieve a stable electron configuration, silicon needs to gain four electrons, while oxygen needs to gain two electrons.
To achieve this, silicon gains four electrons from two oxygen atoms, resulting in a +4 charge, and each oxygen gains two electrons from silicon, resulting in a -2 charge. These charges balance each other out, resulting in an overall neutral compound. The resulting compound has a bonding between silicon and oxygen and is known as a covalent bond since the electrons are shared between the atoms.
b) The formula for the simplest compound formed from chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) is BrCl. This compound is known as bromine monochloride.
To determine the formula, we need to consider the valence electrons of each element. Chlorine has seven valence electrons, while bromine has seven valence electrons as well. Both elements require only one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
To achieve this, bromine donates one electron to chlorine, resulting in a +1 charge for chlorine and a -1 charge for bromine. Again, these charges balance each other out, resulting in an overall neutral compound. The resulting compound has a bonding between chlorine and bromine and is known as an ionic bond since electrons are transferred from one atom to another.