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The atomic number of lithium (Upper L i) is 3, and the atomic number of oxygen (Upper O) is 8.



What is the formula of the compound formed by the combination of lithium and oxygen?

Answer options with 4 options
A.
Upper L i Upper O Subscript 2

B.
Upper L i Subscript 2 Upper O

C.
Upper L i Subscript 3 Upper O Subscript 8

D.
Upper L i Subscript 7 Upper O Subscript 16

1 answer

To determine the formula of the compound formed by lithium (Li) and oxygen (O), we need to consider the charges of the ions formed by these elements.

  • Lithium (Li) has an atomic number of 3 and forms a cation with a charge of +1 (Li⁺).
  • Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8 and forms an anion with a charge of -2 (O²⁻).

To balance the charges in the compound, we need two lithium ions (each with a charge of +1) to balance one oxide ion (with a charge of -2). This gives us the following formula:

Li²O, which can be written as Li2O.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

B. Li₂O