The Attraction between Metal and Nonmetal Ions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 89 views

Introduction

Chemistry is a fascinating field that deals with the study of the composition, properties, and reactions of matter. Atoms are the building blocks of matter, and they can combine to form molecules. In this article, we will explore the concept of metal and nonmetal ions and how they combine to form a compound.

What are Metal and Nonmetal Ions?

Metal ions are positively charged ions that are formed when a metal atom loses one or more electrons. Nonmetal ions, on the other hand, are negatively charged ions that are formed when a nonmetal atom gains one or more electrons. Metal ions are typically formed by metals in Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table, while nonmetal ions are typically formed by nonmetals in Group 16 (chalcogens) and Group 17 (halogens) of the periodic table.

The Attraction between Metal and Nonmetal Ions

When a metal ion with a positive charge is attracted to a nonmetal ion with a negative charge, they form a compound. The metal ion is attracted to the nonmetal ion because of the opposite charges. The metal ion is drawn to the nonmetal ion like a magnet, and they combine to form a new compound.

The Charge of the Metal Ion and the Nonmetal Ion

In this problem, we are given a metal ion with a charge of 4+ and a nonmetal ion with a charge of 3-. To determine the resulting compound, we need to consider the charges of the ions. The metal ion has a charge of 4+, which means it has lost 4 electrons. The nonmetal ion has a charge of 3-, which means it has gained 3 electrons.

Balancing the Charges

To form a compound, the charges of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion must be balanced. This means that the total charge of the compound must be zero. Since the metal ion has a charge of 4+ and the nonmetal ion has a charge of 3-, the total charge of the compound is 4+ + 3- = 1+. However, the total charge of the compound must be zero, so we need to add more ions to balance the charges.

Adding More Ions to Balance the Charges

To balance the charges, we need to add more metal ions or nonmetal ions to the compound. Since the metal ion has a charge of 4+, we can add more metal ions to the compound to balance the charges. However, adding more metal ions will increase the total charge of the compound, which is not what we want. Therefore, we need to add more nonmetal ions to the compound to balance the charges.

The Resulting Compound

To determine the resulting compound, we need to consider the charges of the ions and the number of ions in the compound. Since the metal ion has a charge of 4+ and the nonmetal ion has a charge of 3-, we need to add more nonmetal ions to the compound to balance the charges. The resulting compound will have a total charge of zero, and it will be composed of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion.

Formula of the Resulting Compound

The formula of the resulting compound is determined by the number of ions in the compound and the charges of the ions. Since the metal ion has a charge of 4+ and the nonmetal ion has a charge of 3-, we need to add more nonmetal ions to the compound to balance the charges. The resulting compound will have a formula of X4Z3, where X represents the metal ion and Z represents the nonmetal ion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the resulting compound formed by the attraction between a metal ion with a charge of 4+ and a nonmetal ion with a charge of 3- is X4Z3. This compound is formed by the combination of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion, and it has a total charge of zero.

Answer

The correct answer is A. X4Z3.

Discussion

The question asks us to determine the resulting compound formed by the attraction between a metal ion with a charge of 4+ and a nonmetal ion with a charge of 3-. To answer this question, we need to consider the charges of the ions and the number of ions in the compound. The resulting compound will have a total charge of zero, and it will be composed of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion. The formula of the resulting compound is X4Z3, where X represents the metal ion and Z represents the nonmetal ion.

Additional Information

The periodic table is a table that shows the elements and their properties.
The elements are arranged in a periodic table in order of increasing atomic number.
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element.
The charge of an ion is determined by the number of electrons it has gained or lost.
The formula of a compound is determined by the number of ions in the compound and the charges of the ions.

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, by Steven S. Zumdahl
Chemistry: The Central Science, by Theodore L. Brown
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications, by Linus Pauling

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of metal and nonmetal ions and how they combine to form a compound. We also discussed the charges of the ions and how they balance to form a compound. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the formation of a compound between a metal ion and a nonmetal ion.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between a metal ion and a nonmetal ion?

A1: A metal ion is a positively charged ion that is formed when a metal atom loses one or more electrons. A nonmetal ion, on the other hand, is a negatively charged ion that is formed when a nonmetal atom gains one or more electrons.

Q2: How do metal and nonmetal ions combine to form a compound?

A2: Metal and nonmetal ions combine to form a compound when they are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges. The metal ion is drawn to the nonmetal ion like a magnet, and they combine to form a new compound.

Q3: What is the charge of the resulting compound?

A3: The charge of the resulting compound is zero. This means that the total charge of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion must be balanced to form a compound.

Q4: How do we determine the formula of the resulting compound?

A4: The formula of the resulting compound is determined by the number of ions in the compound and the charges of the ions. We need to consider the charges of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion and add more ions to balance the charges.

Q5: What is the formula of the resulting compound formed by the attraction between a metal ion with a charge of 4+ and a nonmetal ion with a charge of 3-?

A5: The formula of the resulting compound is X4Z3, where X represents the metal ion and Z represents the nonmetal ion.

Q6: Can we add more metal ions to the compound to balance the charges?

A6: No, adding more metal ions will increase the total charge of the compound, which is not what we want. We need to add more nonmetal ions to the compound to balance the charges.

Q7: What is the periodic table, and how does it relate to the formation of a compound?

A7: The periodic table is a table that shows the elements and their properties. The elements are arranged in a periodic table in order of increasing atomic number. The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. The charge of an ion is determined by the number of electrons it has gained or lost.

Q8: How do we determine the charge of an ion?

A8: The charge of an ion is determined by the number of electrons it has gained or lost. If an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion.

Q9: What is the formula of a compound, and how is it determined?

A9: The formula of a compound is determined by the number of ions in the compound and the charges of the ions. We need to consider the charges of the metal ion and the nonmetal ion and add more ions to balance the charges.

Q10: Can you provide some examples of compounds formed by the attraction between metal and nonmetal ions?

A10: Yes, some examples of compounds formed by the attraction between metal and nonmetal ions include sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the formation of a compound between a metal ion and a nonmetal ion is a complex process that involves the attraction between oppositely charged ions. The charge of the resulting compound is zero, and the formula of the compound is determined by the number of ions in the compound and the charges of the ions. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the formation of a compound between a metal ion and a nonmetal ion.

Additional Information

The periodic table is a table that shows the elements and their properties.
The elements are arranged in a periodic table in order of increasing atomic number.
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element.
The charge of an ion is determined by the number of electrons it has gained or lost.
The formula of a compound is determined by the number of ions in the compound and the charges of the ions.

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, by Steven S. Zumdahl
Chemistry: The Central Science, by Theodore L. Brown
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications, by Linus Pauling