Question

Write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions:

Answer 1

Answer: $MgS$, $MgBr_2$, $V_2S_5$ and $VBr_5$ are four binary ionic compounds that could be formed.

Explanation:

For formation of a neutral ionic compound, the charges on cation and anion must be balanced. The cation is formed by loss of electrons by metals and anions are formed by gain of electrons by non metals.

Mg is having an oxidation state of +2 called as $Mg^{2+}$ cation and $S^{2-}$ is an anion with oxidation state of -2. Thus they combine and their oxidation states are exchanged and written in simplest whole number ratios to give neutral $MgS$. Also $Mg^{2+}$ cation and $Br^{-}$ can combine and their oxidation states are exchanged and written in simplest whole number ratios to give neutral $MgBr_2$.

Also Vanadium is having an oxidation state of +5 called as $V^{5+}$ cation and $S^{2-}$ is an anion with oxidation state of -2. Thus they combine and their oxidation states are exchanged and written in simplest whole number ratios to give neutral $V_2S_5$. Also $V^{5+}$ cation and $Br^{-}$ anion can combine and their oxidation states are exchanged and written in simplest whole number ratios to give neutral $VBr_5$.