Which molecular scale image best represents the ionic com-pound that forms between cesium and chlorine? (Cesium is represented by red circles, and chlorine is represented by blue circles.) (LO 6.12) (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

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Step 1: Identify the type of bond that forms between cesium and chlorine. Cesium (Cs) is a metal and chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal. When a metal and a non-metal react, they form an ionic bond.

Step 2: Determine the charges of the ions. Cesium loses one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming a Cs+ ion. Chlorine gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming a Cl- ion.

Step 3: Consider the ratio of ions in the compound. In an ionic compound, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. Since Cs+ and Cl- have charges of +1 and -1 respectively, the ratio of Cs to Cl in the compound is 1:1.

Step 4: Look at the molecular scale images provided. The correct image will show a 1:1 ratio of red (cesium) to blue (chlorine) circles, representing the Cs+ and Cl- ions.

Step 5: Remember that in an ionic compound, the ions arrange themselves in a regular repeating pattern called a crystal lattice. The correct image will also show this pattern.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. In the case of cesium and chlorine, cesium (a metal) loses an electron to become a Cs+ ion, while chlorine (a non-metal) gains an electron to become a Cl- ion. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms a stable ionic compound.

Molecular Representation

Molecular representations visually depict the arrangement of atoms in a compound. In this context, red circles represent cesium ions and blue circles represent chloride ions. Understanding how these ions are arranged in a lattice structure is crucial for identifying the correct molecular scale image that illustrates the ionic compound formed between cesium and chlorine.

Lattice Structure

Ionic compounds typically form a crystalline lattice structure, where ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern. This arrangement maximizes the attractive forces between oppositely charged ions while minimizing repulsive forces between like charges. Recognizing this structure is essential for visualizing how cesium and chlorine ions interact in the ionic compound, influencing the choice of the correct molecular scale image.

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