Formula of Binary Compounds


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Formula of Binary Compounds

Writing chemical formulae: The shortest way to represent a compound with the help of symbols and valency of elements is known as chemical formula. Chemical formula of a compound shows its constituent elements and the number of atoms of each combining element. In ionic compounds, the charge on each ion is used to determine the chemical formula of a compound. There are some rules for writing the chemical formula:

  • The valencies or charges on the ion must be balanced.
  • When a compound consists of a metal and a non-metal, the symbol of the metal is written first and on the left whereas of non-metal on its right. E.g. calcium oxide (CaO), sodium chloride (NaCl), iron sulphide (FeS), copper oxide (CuO) etc., where oxygen, chlorine, sulphur are non-metals and are written on the right, whereas calcium, sodium, iron and copper are metals and are written on left.
  • When compound is formed with polyatomic ions, the ion is enclosed in a bracket before writing the number to indicate the ratio. e.g. large bg_white Ca(OH)_2
  • In case if the number of polyatomic ion is one, the bracket is not required. e.g. NaOH.

    Formulae of Simple Compounds: To write the chemical formula for simple compounds:

  • Write the symbols of constituent elements and their valencies.
  • Write the symbol of cation first followed by the symbol of anion.
  • Then criss-cross their charges or valencies to get the formula.
  • The positive and negative charges must balance each other and the overall structure must be neutral.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    What is the formula of calcium oxide ?

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    The combining elements in a molecule of carbon dioxide are ____________

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    The formula of a chloride of a metal M is large MCl_3, the formula of the phosphate of metal M will be __________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
     
     


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