Question

what is the formula for copper(ii) oxide? co₂ cu₂o cuo cuco₄

Explanation:

Copper(II) oxide is an ionic compound. The Roman numeral (II) indicates that the copper ion has a charge of \(+2\). Oxide ion (\(O^{2-}\)) has a charge of \(-2\). In an ionic compound, the sum of the charges of the ions must be zero. For \(Cu^{2+}\) and \(O^{2-}\), the ratio is \(1:1\) to balance the charges (\((+2)+(-2) = 0\)).

• \(CO_2\) is carbon dioxide (not a copper compound).
• \(Cu_2O\) has copper in \(+1\) oxidation state (copper(I) oxide).
• \(CuCO_4\) is not a valid formula (carbonate is \(CO_3^{2 -}\), not \(CO_4\)).

Answer:

CuO