An element X with electronic configuration 1s22s22p 63s 23p5combines with another element Y with the configuration 1s2s22p23s33p5. What is the formula of th...

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Chemistry - 2003 (Objective) Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

An element X with electronic configuration 1s22s22p 63s 23p5combines with another element Y with the configuration 1s2s22p23s33p5. What is the formula of the compound formed?
Answer Details
To determine the formula of the compound formed between elements X and Y, we need to find out the number of electrons that each element can gain or lose to form ions. Element X has 7 valence electrons and needs to gain one electron to achieve the stable configuration of the nearest noble gas, which is 3s23p6. Thus, element X can form an anion with a charge of -1, which is denoted by X-. Element Y has 5 valence electrons and needs to gain three electrons to achieve the stable configuration of the nearest noble gas, which is 3s23p6. Thus, element Y can form an anion with a charge of -3, which is denoted by Y3-. To form a compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. The least common multiple of 1 and 3 is 3, so we need three X- ions to balance two Y3- ions. Therefore, the formula of the compound formed is X3Y2. So, the correct option is: XY2.

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