In a molecule of lithium sulfide, there are two atoms of lithium and one atom of sulfur. Which statement about lithium sulfide is correct?
The chemical formula for lithium sulfide is LiS23.
A molecular model of lithium sulfide would have two spheres.
The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds.
Both lithium and sulfur form positive ions.
The correct statement about lithium sulfide is:
The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds.
To arrive at this answer, let's go through the available options:
Option 1: The chemical formula for lithium sulfide is LiS23.
This statement is incorrect because the chemical formula for lithium sulfide is Li2S, indicating that there are two atoms of lithium and one atom of sulfur.
Option 2: A molecular model of lithium sulfide would have two spheres.
This statement is a bit vague and unclear. While it is true that a molecular model could use spheres to represent atoms, it doesn't provide an accurate description of the actual structure or bonding in lithium sulfide.
Option 3: The atoms in lithium sulfide are held together by bonds.
This is the correct statement. In lithium sulfide, the two atoms of lithium and one atom of sulfur are held together by chemical bonds. Specifically, lithium and sulfur form ionic bonds, where the lithium atom donates an electron to the sulfur atom, resulting in the formation of lithium cations (Li+) and sulfide anions (S2-).
Option 4: Both lithium and sulfur form positive ions.
This statement is incorrect. Lithium actually forms a positive ion (cation) with a charge of +1, while sulfur forms a negative ion (anion) with a charge of -2. This charge difference allows for the formation of an ionic bond between lithium and sulfur in lithium sulfide.