Question

write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions: ca²⁺, v⁵⁺, cl⁻, s²⁻

Explanation:

Step1: Combine $Ca^{2 +}$ and $Cl^{-}$

The compound is $CaCl_{2}$ as we need 2 $Cl^{-}$ to balance the + 2 charge of $Ca^{2+}$.

Step2: Combine $Ca^{2 +}$ and $S^{2 -}$

The compound is $CaS$ since the charges + 2 and - 2 balance each other.

Step3: Combine $V^{5+}$ and $Cl^{-}$

We need 5 $Cl^{-}$ to balance the + 5 charge of $V^{5+}$, so the compound is $VCl_{5}$.

Step4: Combine $V^{5+}$ and $S^{2 -}$

To balance the charges, we find the least - common multiple of 5 and 2 which is 10. So we need 2 $V^{5+}$ and 5 $S^{2 -}$, and the compound is $V_{2}S_{5}$.

Answer:

$CaCl_{2}$, $CaS$, $VCl_{5}$, $V_{2}S_{5}$