Question

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

Short answer

(a) Metal, (b) Nonmetal, (c) \(X_2Y_3\), (d) Group 13 for \(X\), Group 16 for \(Y\).

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Ion Charges

The exercise states that element \(X\) forms \(X^{3+}\) ions and element \(Y\) forms \(Y^{2-}\) ions. Generally, metals tend to lose electrons to form positive ions (cations), while nonmetals gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).

Key concepts

Ions

Ions are charged particles formed when atoms lose or gain electrons. This process occurs because atoms tend to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling that of the nearest noble gas. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it cannot remain neutral and takes on a charge, forming an ion.

• Positive ions, or cations, are formed when an atom loses electrons.
• Negative ions, or anions, are formed when an atom gains electrons.

For example, in the exercise, element \(X\) becomes \(X^{3+}\) by losing three electrons, indicating it is likely a metal. Conversely, element \(Y\) becomes \(Y^{2-}\) by gaining two electrons, suggesting it is likely a nonmetal. Understanding how ions form is crucial to predicting chemical reactions and the properties of compounds.

Periodic Table Groups

The periodic table is organized into groups (columns) and periods (rows) that help predict an element's properties. Elements in the same group often have similar chemical behaviors because they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.

• Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) elements typically form positive ions by losing electrons.
• Group 15, 16, and 17 elements are nonmetals that often form negative ions by gaining electrons.

In this exercise, element \(X\) forms \(X^{3+}\) ions, indicating it could belong to Group 13, known for having three valence electrons that it loses during ion formation. Element \(Y\), which forms \(Y^{2-}\) ions, may be from Group 16, known as the chalcogens, which typically gain two electrons to complete their outer shell.

Metal and Nonmetal Properties

Metals and nonmetals display distinctly different properties, influencing how they interact to form compounds.
Metals, such as alkaline and alkaline earth metals, prefer to lose electrons, leading to their formation of positive ions or cations. They are usually shiny, good conductors of electricity, malleable, and ductile. For example, since \(X\) forms \(X^{3+}\) ions, it exhibits metallic properties, likely making it a metal found in the left side of the periodic table.

In contrast, nonmetals, including chalcogens and halogens, tend to gain electrons, forming negative ions or anions. They often have poor conductivity, appear dull, and can be brittle when solid. Since \(Y\) gains two electrons to become \(Y^{2-}\), it displays typical nonmetal behavior often found in groups to the right of the periodic table.

When metals and nonmetals react, the electrons are transferred from metal to nonmetal, creating ionic bonds that hold the compound together. Understanding these properties helps predict the nature and structure of chemical compounds formed.