Examples of Binary Ionic Compounds

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 47 views

In chemistry, binary ionic compounds are formed when two elements, typically a metal and a nonmetal, combine to form a compound. These compounds are characterized by the presence of ions with opposite charges that are attracted to each other. In this article, we will explore the concept of binary ionic compounds and identify the correct answer from the given options.

What are Binary Ionic Compounds?

Binary ionic compounds are formed when a metal loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), and a nonmetal gains one or more electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The cation and anion are then attracted to each other, forming a compound. The general formula for a binary ionic compound is:

M + nX → MXn

Where M is the metal cation, X is the nonmetal anion, and n is the number of anions.

Examples of Binary Ionic Compounds

Some common examples of binary ionic compounds include:

Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
Magnesium oxide (MgO)
Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3)

Analyzing the Options

Now, let's analyze the given options to determine which one is a binary ionic compound.

A. $MgCl _2$

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is a binary ionic compound formed when magnesium (Mg) loses two electrons to become a positively charged ion (Mg2+), and chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-). The compound is formed when the cation and anion are attracted to each other.

B. $C _6 H _{12} O _6$

Glucose (C6H12O6) is a molecular compound formed when six carbon atoms are bonded to six hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms. It is not a binary ionic compound.

C. $CO _2$

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a molecular compound formed when one carbon atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is not a binary ionic compound.

D. $PO _4^{3-}$

Phosphate ion (PO43-) is a polyatomic ion formed when one phosphorus atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is not a binary ionic compound.

E. $CH _4$

Methane (CH4) is a molecular compound formed when one carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It is not a binary ionic compound.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the options, the correct answer is:

A. $MgCl _2$

Key Takeaways

Binary ionic compounds are formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine to form a compound.
The cation and anion are attracted to each other, forming a compound.
Examples of binary ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and magnesium oxide (MgO).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a binary ionic compound?
How are binary ionic compounds formed?
What are some examples of binary ionic compounds?

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, by Steven S. Zumdahl
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications, by Linus Pauling

Glossary

Cation: A positively charged ion.
Anion: A negatively charged ion.
Binary ionic compound: A compound formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine to form a compound.
Frequently Asked Questions: Binary Ionic Compounds =====================================================

In our previous article, we discussed the concept of binary ionic compounds and identified the correct answer from the given options. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to binary ionic compounds.

Q: What is a binary ionic compound?

A: A binary ionic compound is a compound formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine to form a compound. The cation and anion are attracted to each other, forming a compound.

Q: How are binary ionic compounds formed?

A: Binary ionic compounds are formed when a metal loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), and a nonmetal gains one or more electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The cation and anion are then attracted to each other, forming a compound.

Q: What are some examples of binary ionic compounds?

A: Some common examples of binary ionic compounds include:

Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
Magnesium oxide (MgO)
Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3)

Q: What is the difference between a binary ionic compound and a molecular compound?

A: A binary ionic compound is formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine to form a compound, while a molecular compound is formed when two or more nonmetals combine to form a compound.

Q: Can a binary ionic compound be formed when a metal and a metal combine?

A: No, a binary ionic compound cannot be formed when a metal and a metal combine. This is because both the metal cations have the same charge, and they will not be attracted to each other.

Q: Can a binary ionic compound be formed when a nonmetal and a nonmetal combine?

A: No, a binary ionic compound cannot be formed when a nonmetal and a nonmetal combine. This is because both the nonmetal anions have the same charge, and they will not be attracted to each other.

Q: What is the general formula for a binary ionic compound?

A: The general formula for a binary ionic compound is:

M + nX → MXn

Where M is the metal cation, X is the nonmetal anion, and n is the number of anions.

Q: How do I determine if a compound is a binary ionic compound or a molecular compound?

A: To determine if a compound is a binary ionic compound or a molecular compound, you can look at the elements that make up the compound. If the compound is made up of a metal and a nonmetal, it is likely a binary ionic compound. If the compound is made up of two or more nonmetals, it is likely a molecular compound.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with binary ionic compounds?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with binary ionic compounds include:

Not considering the charges of the ions
Not balancing the charges of the ions
Not considering the number of anions
Not considering the number of cations

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions related to binary ionic compounds. We hope that this article has been helpful in clarifying any confusion you may have had about binary ionic compounds.

Key Takeaways

A binary ionic compound is a compound formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine to form a compound.
The cation and anion are attracted to each other, forming a compound.
Examples of binary ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and magnesium oxide (MgO).
The general formula for a binary ionic compound is M + nX → MXn.
To determine if a compound is a binary ionic compound or a molecular compound, look at the elements that make up the compound.

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, by Steven S. Zumdahl
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications, by Linus Pauling

Glossary

Cation: A positively charged ion.
Anion: A negatively charged ion.
Binary ionic compound: A compound formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine to form a compound.
Molecular compound: A compound formed when two or more nonmetals combine to form a compound.