lithium is a metal with an oxidation number of 1+ and oxygen is a nonmetal with an oxidation number of 2…
lithium is a metal with an oxidation number of 1+ and oxygen is a nonmetal with an oxidation number of 2-. which chemical formula represents the compound formed by these two elements? a li₂o b li₃o c lio d lio₂
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Determine charge - balance principle
In a chemical compound, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms must be zero.
Step2: Let the sub - script of Li be $x$ and of O be $y$.
The oxidation number of Li is $+ 1$ and of O is $-2$. So, we have the equation $1\times x+( - 2)\times y = 0$.
Step3: Solve for the ratio of sub - scripts
From $x - 2y=0$, we get $x = 2y$. When $y = 1$, $x = 2$. So the chemical formula is $Li_2O$.
Answer:
A. $Li_2O$