Question

In the formula XSO4 the symbol X could represent the element

Answer 1

Answer: X could represent the element of oxidation state (+2) such as (Mg2+, Pb2+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Zn2+, ....etc)

Explanation:

• The formula of the compound XSO4 is a neutral compound that the algebraic summation of the oxidation states of different elements in it must be zero.

• The group SO4 has the oxidation state (2-), that S has (6+) oxidation state and O has (2-) oxidation state, so the oxidation of SO4 = (6+) + (-2*4) = -2.

• It is clear that X must have the oxidation state 2+.

• So, X could be represents by many different elements such as (Mg2+, Pb2+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, ....etc)

Answer 2

X represents group 5A by my periodic table. P2O5 is an example. Since there's charge specified, it must be a neutral atom. For this, each of the X would need a +5 charge. On the other hand, if it's in group 15, then it can form a covalent bond, since each atom in group 15 can share 5 atoms.