Question

Predict the following chemical formula for a compound between lithium and oxygen

Answer 1

Li2O.. Because Li is +1 and O2 is -2

Answer 2

Explanation:

Atomic number of lithium is 3 with electronic distribution 2, 1. So, to attain stability lithium loses 1 electron and becomes $Li^{+}$ ion.

Atomic number of oxygen is 8 with electronic distribution 2, 6. So, to attain stability oxygen needs to gain two electrons and thus becomes $O^{2-}$ ion.

Therefore, a neutral molecule will have charges balanced between the combining atoms.

Hence, when lithium and oxygen atoms combine together then they will form compound $Li_{2}O$.