Question

Write the formula for each of the following compounds: a. sodium oxide

Answer 1

The formula for sodium oxide is Na2O.

To determine the formula, we need to understand the valencies of the elements involved. Sodium (Na) typically has a valency of 1, meaning it can form one bond. Oxygen (O), on the other hand, has a valency of 2, indicating that it can form two bonds.

In sodium oxide, two sodium atoms each form a single bond with one oxygen atom. The formula Na2O indicates that there are two sodium atoms and one oxygen atom in the compound.

It's important to note that the subscripts in the formula represent the number of atoms present in the compound. In this case, the subscript 2 indicates that there are two sodium atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. If the formula were written as NaO or NaO2, it would imply a different number of atoms, which would be incorrect.

Remember, when writing chemical formulas, it's crucial to consider the valencies and the number of atoms involved to accurately represent the compound.

Answer 2

Answer: Na₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

Sodium is in group 1, and elements in group 1 always have a charge of 1+, or +:

Na⁺

Oxide is the ion of oxygen, and oxygen is in group 16, and elements in group 16 always have a charge of 2-:

O²⁻

We have our charges of 1+ and 2-, so we balance the charges so that the final formula is balanced; the sum of the charges should be 0, so we need to have a subscript of 2 on Na (2 * +1 = +2):

Na₂⁺

Now, we always put the cation (+ ion) on the left and the anion (- ion) on the right:

Na₂⁺O²⁻

In the final formula, we don't need to include the charges/superscripts, but we need to include the subscripts, which indicate the number of atoms of that element (so, in a molecule of sodium oxide, there are 2 atoms of Na and 1 atom of oxygen).

Our final formula is Na₂O.

I hope this helps! :)