Question

copper ii oxide is a chemical compound.

a. is this an ionic or covalent compound?
explain how you can tell based on the types of elements it contains.

b. how do you determine the chemical formula of this compound?
describe the steps you used and write the correct formula.

Explanation:

Identify compound type

Using the Ionic Bonding knowledge point:

• Copper is a transition metal.
• Oxygen is a nonmetal.
• A compound formed between a metal and a nonmetal is ionic.

Determine chemical formula

Using the Chemical Formula Derivation knowledge point:

• Copper(II) indicates a copper cation with a \(2+\) charge: \(\text{Cu}^{2+}\).
• Oxide is an oxygen anion with a \(2-\) charge: \(\text{O}^{2-}\).
• Combine them in a 1:1 ratio to balance charges: \(\text{CuO}\).

Answer:

Question A

Ionic. Copper is a metal and oxygen is a nonmetal, which forms ionic bonds.

Question B

1. Identify the ions: Copper(II) is \(\text{Cu}^{2+}\) and oxide is \(\text{O}^{2-}\).
2. Balance the charges: One \(\text{Cu}^{2+}\) balances one \(\text{O}^{2-}\).
3. Write the formula: \(\text{CuO}\).