answersLogoWhite

0

An ionic compound is always electrically neutral. The positive charges of the cations are exactly cancelled by the negative charges on the anions. There is a mathematical way of showing this but perhaps simple example's are better.

Some examples

Cation ..Anion ..Ratio Example

+1 ..........-1....... 1:1 ..NaCl

+2 ..........-1 ......1:2 ..CaCl2

+2 ...........-2..... 1:1 ...CaO

+3 ...........-2 .....2:3 ..Fe2O3

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry

Why can't you combine two anions to form an ionic compound?

Combining two anions will not form an ionic compound because an ionic compound is formed when a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion are attracted to each other through electrostatic forces. If two anions were to come together, they would repel each other due to their similar negative charges.


What do Two or more elements of opposite charge make when they combine?

When two or more elements of opposite charge combine, they form an ionic bond. Ionic bonds are created when one element transfers electrons to another, resulting in the attraction between the positive and negative charges of the elements.


When calcium and chlorine combine to form an ionic compound?

When calcium and chlorine combine, they form an ionic compound known as calcium chloride. In this compound, calcium loses two electrons to become a Ca2+ ion, while chlorine gains one electron to become a Cl- ion. These ions are attracted to each other through electrostatic forces, resulting in the formation of an ionic bond between calcium and chlorine.


How do ionic compounds and the empirical formula relate?

The empirical formula of an ionic compound shows the simplest whole number ratio of ions present in the compound. Ionic compounds are formed when cations and anions combine in such a way that the charges balance to create a neutral compound. The empirical formula reflects this balanced ratio of ions in the compound.


What is the formula of the compound formed when chlorine and calcium combine?

The compound formed when chlorine and calcium combine is calcium chloride, which has the chemical formula CaCl2. In this compound, each calcium atom loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, and each chlorine atom gains one electron to reach a stable state.

Related Questions

How many bromide ions can combine with one ion of barium to form an ionic compound?

Two bromide ions can combine with one barium cation to form an ionic compound, because a barium cation has an electrical charge of +2, while a bromide anion has an electrical charge of -1.


Why can't you combine two anions to form an ionic compound?

Combining two anions will not form an ionic compound because an ionic compound is formed when a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion are attracted to each other through electrostatic forces. If two anions were to come together, they would repel each other due to their similar negative charges.


What do Two or more elements of opposite charge make when they combine?

When two or more elements of opposite charge combine, they form an ionic bond. Ionic bonds are created when one element transfers electrons to another, resulting in the attraction between the positive and negative charges of the elements.


When calcium and chlorine combine to form an ionic compound?

When calcium and chlorine combine, they form an ionic compound known as calcium chloride. In this compound, calcium loses two electrons to become a Ca2+ ion, while chlorine gains one electron to become a Cl- ion. These ions are attracted to each other through electrostatic forces, resulting in the formation of an ionic bond between calcium and chlorine.


How do ionic compounds and the empirical formula relate?

The empirical formula of an ionic compound shows the simplest whole number ratio of ions present in the compound. Ionic compounds are formed when cations and anions combine in such a way that the charges balance to create a neutral compound. The empirical formula reflects this balanced ratio of ions in the compound.


What is the formula of the compound formed when chlorine and calcium combine?

The compound formed when chlorine and calcium combine is calcium chloride, which has the chemical formula CaCl2. In this compound, each calcium atom loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, and each chlorine atom gains one electron to reach a stable state.


If ionic compounds are composed of charged particles why is not every ionic compound either positively or negatively charged?

Ionic compounds are made up of positively and negatively charged ions that balance each other out to form a neutral compound. The positive and negative charges of the ions combine in such a way that the overall compound has no net charge. This is achieved through the attraction between opposite charges to create a stable compound.


Why must the net charge on any ionic compound always equal zero?

In an ionic compound, the positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) must balance each other out to maintain overall electrical neutrality. This ensures that the compound is stable and energetically favorable.


What is the ionic compound of aluminum and chlorine?

The ionic compound formed between aluminum and chlorine is aluminum chloride (AlCl3). In this compound, aluminum donates three electrons to each chlorine atom to form a stable ionic bond.


Will nitrogen and fluorine form a ionic compound?

No, nitrogen and fluorine will not form an ionic compound. They are both nonmetals and tend to form covalent bonds when they react with each other.


Is NiCl2 an ionic or molecular compound?

NiCl2 is an ionic compound. It is composed of nickel (Ni), a metal, and chlorine (Cl), a non-metal. Ionic compounds form when a metal transfers its electrons to a non-metal, resulting in the formation of charged ions that are attracted to each other.


Is CO2 an example of an ionic compound?

No, CO2 is not an ionic compound. It is a covalent compound composed of carbon and oxygen atoms. Ionic compounds are formed when atoms of different elements with opposite charges transfer electrons to each other.