Question

27 sep construct an explanation explain whether the formula cuo can be used to represent both copper(i) oxide and copper(ii) oxide.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Copper(I) Oxide

Copper(I) has a charge of \( +1 \) (\( \text{Cu}^+ \)), and oxide ion is \( \text{O}^{2-} \). To balance charges, we need 2 \( \text{Cu}^+ \) ions for 1 \( \text{O}^{2-} \) ion. So the formula for copper(I) oxide is \( \text{Cu}_2\text{O} \).

Step2: Analyze Copper(II) Oxide

Copper(II) has a charge of \( +2 \) (\( \text{Cu}^{2+} \)), and oxide ion is \( \text{O}^{2-} \). The charges balance in a 1:1 ratio ( \( +2 + (-2) = 0 \) ), so the formula for copper(II) oxide is \( \text{CuO} \).

Step3: Determine Applicability of \( \text{CuO} \)

Since \( \text{CuO} \) has \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \) (copper(II)) and \( \text{O}^{2-} \), it represents copper(II) oxide. It cannot represent copper(I) oxide (which is \( \text{Cu}_2\text{O} \)), but it can represent copper(II) oxide.

Answer:

The formula \( \text{CuO} \) can be used to represent copper(II) oxide (since \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \) and \( \text{O}^{2-} \) balance as \( 1(+2) + 1(-2) = 0 \)), but not copper(I) oxide (which requires \( \text{Cu}_2\text{O} \) to balance \( 2(+1) + 1(-2) = 0 \)). So \( \text{CuO} \) represents copper(II) oxide.