Question

An unknown element X forms a compound with bromine: XBr. Predict the chemical formula of the compound that element X makes with oxygen. Justify your answer.

Answer 1

why wouldn't it be X2O ?

Answer 2

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think in XBr, the charge of the bromine is -1. It makes the X have a charge of -1. This -1 charge is necessary to make the total charge of the formula be zero. Since O is a -2 and we now know X is a +2, the predicted formula between X and oxygen is X2O. I'm not 100% sure if this is correct, thanks!

Answer 3

Dan, just a word or two to clarify what you wrote and to point out a couple of typos. X2O is correct. My corrections and comments are in bold.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think in XBr, the charge of the bromine is -1. It makes the X have a charge of -1 <b>(you mean +1)</b>. This -1 charge <b>(you mean +1)</b> is necessary to make the total charge of the formula be zero. Since O is a -2 and we now know X is a +2,<b>(it would be better, in my opinion, to say the total charge on X is +2 so each is +1)</b> the predicted formula between X and oxygen is X2O. I'm not 100% sure if this is correct, thanks!

Answer 4

Thank you!