Write the empirical formula of Atleast four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions
Ca^2+,Ni^4+,Cl^-,O^2-
1) Calcium chloride
Empirical formula: CaCl2
2) Nickel chloride
Empirical formula: NiCl2
3) Calcium oxide
Empirical formula: CaO
4) Nickel oxide
Empirical formula: NiO
To determine the empirical formula of a binary ionic compound, we need to combine the cation (+) and anion (-) in a way that balances the charges. Here are four possible combinations using the given ions:
1. Calcium chloride:
The Ca^2+ ion combines with two Cl^- ions to balance the charges. Therefore, the empirical formula is CaCl2.
2. Calcium oxide:
The Ca^2+ ion combines with one O^2- ion to balance the charges. Therefore, the empirical formula is CaO.
3. Nickel(IV) chloride:
The Ni^4+ ion combines with four Cl^- ions to balance the charges. Therefore, the empirical formula is NiCl4.
4. Nickel(IV) oxide:
The Ni^4+ ion combines with two O^2- ions to balance the charges. Therefore, the empirical formula is Ni2O4. However, we can simplify this formula by dividing all subscripts by the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 2, which gives us NiO2.
Note: It's important to consider the oxidation state of the elements when determining the empirical formula. In this case, Ni is in its +4 oxidation state, which is less common but still possible for this element.
To determine the empirical formula of a compound, we need to find the simplest ratio of the ions present in the compound.
Let's consider the possible combinations using the given ions:
1. Calcium chloride (Ca^2+ and Cl^-):
Since the chloride ion has a charge of -1, and calcium has a charge of +2, we need two chloride ions to balance the charge of one calcium ion. The empirical formula is CaCl2.
2. Calcium oxide (Ca^2+ and O^2-):
Since the oxide ion has a charge of -2, and calcium has a charge of +2, one calcium ion is needed to balance the charge of one oxide ion. The empirical formula is CaO.
3. Nickel(II) chloride (Ni^2+ and Cl^-):
Since the chloride ion has a charge of -1, and nickel(II) has a charge of +2, two chloride ions are needed to balance the charge of one nickel(II) ion. The empirical formula is NiCl2.
4. Nickel(II) oxide (Ni^2+ and O^2-):
Since the oxide ion has a charge of -2, and nickel(II) has a charge of +2, one nickel(II) ion is needed to balance the charge of one oxide ion. The empirical formula is NiO.
So, the empirical formulas of the four binary ionic compounds are:
1. Calcium chloride (CaCl2)
2. Calcium oxide (CaO)
3. Nickel(II) chloride (NiCl2)
4. Nickel(II) oxide (NiO)