An unknown metal, m, forms an ionic compound with the formula, M2S3. Which formula represents the compound formed by the metal with oxygen?
a) MO
b) MO2
c) MO3
d) M2O3
An ionic compound M2S3 is formed by the metal M, the metal is
To determine the formula of the compound formed by the metal with oxygen, we need to consider the charges of the metal and oxygen ions. Given that the metal forms an ionic compound with the formula M2S3, we can assume that the metal ion (M) has a charge of +2 since there are two metal ions in the formula.
Now, sulfur (S) usually has a charge of -2 when it forms an ionic compound.
To balance the charges, we can conclude that the compound M2S3 consists of two M(2+) ions and three S(2-) ions.
Since oxygen (O) is in the same group as sulfur (group 16), it also has a charge of -2 when it forms an ionic compound.
To balance the charges in the compound formed with oxygen, we need two M(2+) ions to balance the charge of four O(2-) ions, resulting in a formula of M2O4.
Comparing the given options:
a) MO - This represents a 1:1 ratio of M(2+) and O(2-) ions, which is not consistent with the charge balance we obtained.
b) MO2 - This represents a 1:2 ratio of M(2+) and O(2-) ions, which does not match the charge balance.
c) MO3 - This represents a 1:3 ratio of M(2+) and O(2-) ions, which is not consistent with the charge balance.
d) M2O3 - This represents a 2:3 ratio of M(2+) and O(2-) ions, which matches the charge balance.
Therefore, the correct formula representing the compound formed by the metal with oxygen is d) M2O3.
To determine the formula of the compound formed between an unknown metal, m, and oxygen, we need to understand the concept of charges in ionic compounds.
Ionic compounds are formed when metals react with non-metals, such as oxygen. The metal loses electrons to form a positive ion, called a cation, while the non-metal gains electrons to form a negative ion, called an anion. The charges of the cation and anion must balance out to create a neutral compound.
In this case, the metal, m, forms an ionic compound with the formula M2S3, where M represents the metal cation and S represents the sulfur anion. Since the compound is neutral, the total positive charge from the cations must balance the total negative charge from the anions.
The formula M2S3 tells us that there are two metal cations for every three sulfur anions. This implies that the metal ion, M, has a charge of +2 since there are two of them in the formula.
Now, to determine the formula of the compound formed between the metal and oxygen, we need to consider that oxygen typically forms an anion with a charge of -2.
Since the charge of the metal cation M is +2, we need two oxygens to balance this charge, each with a charge of -2. Therefore, the correct formula for the compound formed between the metal, m, and oxygen is MO2.
Thus, the answer is b) MO2.