Question

predict the chemical formula for the ionic compound formed by ca²⁺ and clo₃⁻

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charges

The calcium ion has a charge of \(Ca^{2 +}\), and the chlorate ion has a charge of \(ClO_{3}^{-}\).

Step2: Balance the charges

To balance the charges, we need 2 chlorate ions (\(ClO_{3}^{-}\)) for every 1 calcium ion (\(Ca^{2+}\)).

Step3: Write the formula

When writing the formula for an ionic compound, the cation (positive ion) is written first, followed by the anion (negative ion). Since we need 2 \(ClO_{3}^{-}\) ions, we put the \(ClO_{3}\) in parentheses and write the subscript 2.

Answer:

\(Ca(ClO_{3})_{2}\)