Question

Element X reacts with element \(\mathrm{Y}\) to give a product containing \(\mathrm{X}^{3+}\) ions and \(\mathrm{Y}^{2-}\) ions. (a) Is element \(\mathrm{X}\) likely to be a metal or a nonmetal? Explain. (b) Is element \(\mathrm{Y}\) likely to be a metal or a nonmetal? Explain. (c) What is the formula of the product? (d) In what groups of the periodic table are elements \(\mathrm{X}\) and \(\mathrm{Y}\) likely to be found?

Short answer

(a) X is likely a metal. (b) Y is likely a nonmetal. (c) Formula = X₂Y₃. (d) X in Group 13, Y in Group 16.

Step-by-step solution

Determine Element Types for X and Y

Element X forms a cation ( X^{3+} ), which means it loses electrons. Generally, metals lose electrons to form positive ions. Therefore, element X is likely a metal.

Determine Element Type for Y

Element Y forms an anion ( Y^{2-} ), which means it gains electrons. Nonmetals are known to gain electrons to form negative ions. Therefore, element Y is likely a nonmetal.

Determine Product Formula

The charges on the ions are X^{3+} and Y^{2-} . To create a neutral compound, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. This can be achieved by taking two X ions and three Y ions, resulting in the formula X_2Y_3 .

Identify Possible Groups for Element X

Element X, having a 3^{+} charge usually means it lost three electrons. Elements that commonly form 3^{+} ions are often found in Group 13 of the periodic table.

Identify Possible Groups for Element Y

Element Y, having a 2^{-} charge indicates it gained two electrons. Nonmetals that form 2^{-} ions are typically found in Group 16 of the periodic table.

Key concepts

Ions

In chemistry, ions are crucial entities that play significant roles in chemical bonding. An ion is an atom or a molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge. There are two main types of ions: cations and anions. Cations have a positive charge because they have more protons than electrons, while anions possess a negative charge because they have more electrons than protons.
Understanding the behavior of ions is essential, as they are responsible for the formation of ionic bonds in chemical compounds. For instance, in the case of element X and element Y, X becomes a cation ( X^{3+} ) by losing electrons, while Y becomes an anion ( Y^{2-} ) by gaining electrons. This exchange and balance of electrons lead to the formation of stable compounds.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is an organized chart that displays all known chemical elements. It arranges elements in order of increasing atomic number and groups them into columns based on similar chemical properties.
Elements in the same group often exhibit similar behavior because they have the same number of valence electrons. For example, elements in Group 13 typically form 3^{+} cations by losing three electrons, while those in Group 16 often form 2^{-} anions by gaining two electrons. This behavior makes the periodic table highly predictive and useful in determining how different elements will interact.
Understanding the location of elements X and Y helps us infer their likely behavior and reactions during the formation of compounds.

Metals and Nonmetals

In the periodic table, elements are broadly categorized into metals and nonmetals, which define their chemical behavior. Metals, usually found on the left side of the table, tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions. This propensity to lose electrons makes metals good conductors of electricity and heat and provides them with shiny appearances and malleability.
Nonmetals, located on the right side, typically gain electrons, forming anions. These elements often have higher electronegativities, meaning they have a strong tendency to attract electrons. For instance, in our exercise, element X acts as a metal by losing electrons and forming a cation ( X^{3+} ), while element Y behaves as a nonmetal by gaining electrons and forming an anion ( Y^{2-} ). Understanding these characteristics is crucial in predicting how elements will bond with each other.

Compound Formation

Compound formation is a process where two or more elements chemically bond to form a new substance with different properties. This process often involves achieving stability through the exchange and sharing of electrons. For our elements X and Y, the compound formation involves creating a neutral ionic compound.
To balance the charges from X^{3+} and Y^{2-} ions, the compound formed must have equal positive and negative charges. This is achieved by using a 2:3 ratio of X and Y ions, resulting in the compound formula X_2Y_3 .
Understanding compound formation helps in predicting the formula and properties of new substances, providing crucial insights into chemical reactions and interactions.