2.6.2

Ionic Compounds

Test yourself

Empirical Formulae

You can work out the proportion of each ion in a compound. The empirical formula of an ionic compound is the simplest ratio of ions possible.

Illustrative background for Ca<sup>2+</sup> and F<sup>-</sup>Illustrative background for Ca<sup>2+</sup> and F<sup>-</sup> ?? "content

Ca2+ and F-

  • In order for the charges to balance out and for the overall formula to be neutral, there must be 2 F- ions for each Ca2+ ion.
    • The empirical formula is CaF2.
Illustrative background for Na<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>Illustrative background for Na<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup> ?? "content

Na+ + SO42-

  • In order for the charges to balance out and for the overall formula to be neutral, there must be 2 Na+ ions for each SO42- ion.
    • The empirical formula is Na2SO4.

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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