Write a formula for the ionic compound that forms between each pair of elements. a. silver and chlorine b. sodium and sulfur c. aluminum and sulfur d. potassium and chlorine

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Identify the charges of the ions formed by each element.

For silver (Ag) and chlorine (Cl), note that Ag typically forms a +1 ion and Cl forms a -1 ion.

For sodium (Na) and sulfur (S), note that Na forms a +1 ion and S forms a -2 ion.

For aluminum (Al) and sulfur (S), note that Al forms a +3 ion and S forms a -2 ion.

For potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl), note that K forms a +1 ion and Cl forms a -1 ion.

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Key Concepts

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

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the creation of a stable ionic lattice structure. Understanding the charges of the ions involved is crucial for writing the correct formula for the compound.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states, or oxidation numbers, indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. They help determine how many electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share during the formation of a compound. Knowing the common oxidation states of elements, such as +1 for sodium and +3 for aluminum, is essential for predicting the formulas of ionic compounds.

Criss-Cross Method

The criss-cross method is a technique used to derive the formula of an ionic compound by using the charges of the ions involved. The absolute value of the charge of one ion becomes the subscript for the other ion, ensuring that the overall charge of the compound is neutral. This method simplifies the process of writing formulas for compounds formed between metals and nonmetals.

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