Question

A stable, binary ionic compound exists where the cation (A) has a charge twice in magnitude than that of the anion (X). What would be the correct formula for this compound? A) A2X B) A2X4 C) A4X2 D) AX2

Answer 1

The answer is D) AX2

Answer 2

The cation is positively charged and has a charge twice that of the anion, for example +2. The anion is negatively charged and in our example where the cation has a +2 charge, it must have a -1 charge. In order for the charges to equal zero, there must be two anions: -1 x 2 = -2 So the answer is D. AX2