Question

beryllium and iodine
express your answer as a chemical formula.
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Explanation:

Step1: Determine oxidation states

Beryllium (Be) is in group 2, so its oxidation state is +2. Iodine (I) is a halogen, and in binary compounds with metals, it has an oxidation state of -1.

Step2: Balance charges

To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. Let the formula be \( \text{Be}_x\text{I}_y \). The charge from Be is \( +2x \), and from I is \( -1y \). Setting \( +2x = -1y \) (in magnitude), we find \( x = 1 \) and \( y = 2 \) (since \( 2\times1 = 1\times2 \)).

Step3: Write the formula

Using the subscripts, the chemical formula is \( \text{BeI}_2 \).

Answer:

\( \text{BeI}_2 \)