Question

What is the ionic charge on the zirconium ion in the ionic compound zirconium oxide ZrO₂?

A) +1
B) +2
C) +3
D) +4
E) -1

Answer 1

The ionic charge on the zirconium ion in ZrO₂ is +4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ionic charge on the zirconium ion in the ionic compound zirconium oxide ZrO₂ is +4. In this compound, the oxide ion (O²-) has a charge of -2. Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the charges of the cation (zirconium ion) and anion (oxide ion) must be zero. Therefore, the charge on the zirconium ion must be +4 to balance out the -2 charge of the oxide ion.