Question

4 multiple choice 10 points what is the formula for copper (ii) oxide? cuo hg₂o cuo₂ cu₂o

Explanation:

Copper (II) oxide is an ionic compound. The Roman numeral (II) indicates that the copper ion has a charge of \(+ 2\) (\(Cu^{2+}\)). The oxide ion (\(O^{2-}\)) has a charge of \(-2\). In an ionic compound, the charges must balance. For \(Cu^{2+}\) and \(O^{2-}\), the ratio is \(1:1\) to balance the charges (\(+2+(- 2)=0\)). So the formula is \(CuO\). \(Hg_2O\) has mercury (\(Hg\)) which is not copper. \(CuO_2\) would have a charge imbalance (\(+2 + 2\times(-2)=-2\)). \(Cu_2O\) has copper in \(+1\) oxidation state (\(2\times(+1)+(-2) = 0\)) which is not copper (II).

Answer:

CuO