Question

write the empirical formula of at least four binary ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions: ca²+, pb⁴+, cl⁻, o²⁻

Explanation:

Step1: Combine \(Ca^{2+}\) with \(Cl^{-}\)

Using the criss - cross method (charge of cation becomes subscript of anion and vice - versa), for \(Ca^{2+}\) and \(Cl^{-}\), we get \(CaCl_{2}\).

Step2: Combine \(Ca^{2+}\) with \(O^{2 -}\)

For \(Ca^{2+}\) and \(O^{2 -}\), the charges are \(+ 2\) and \(-2\). After criss - cross (and simplifying the ratio), we get \(CaO\).

Step3: Combine \(Pb^{4+}\) with \(Cl^{-}\)

For \(Pb^{4+}\) and \(Cl^{-}\), using the criss - cross method, we get \(PbCl_{4}\).

Step4: Combine \(Pb^{4+}\) with \(O^{2 -}\)

For \(Pb^{4+}\) and \(O^{2 -}\), the ratio of charges is \(4:2 = 2:1\). Using criss - cross, we get \(PbO_{2}\).

Answer:

\(CaCl_{2}\), \(CaO\), \(PbCl_{4}\), \(PbO_{2}\)