Question

The formula unit for the ionic compound, cupric oxide, consists of which of the following?
? 1 Cu2+ ion and 1 O2- ion
? 2 Cu+ ions and 1 O2- ion
? 1 Cu2+ ion and 2 O- ions
? 1 Cu+ ion and 1 O- ion
? 1 Cu2- ion and 1 O2+ ion

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The correct formula unit for cupric oxide (also known as copper(II) oxide) consists of **1 Cu²⁺ ion and 1 O²⁻ ion**.

The cupric (Cu²⁺) indicates that copper has a +2 oxidation state, and oxide (O²⁻) indicates that oxygen has a -2 oxidation state. To achieve charge neutrality in the compound, one Cu²⁺ ion combines with one O²⁻ ion, resulting in the formula CuO.

Thus, the correct response is: **1 Cu²⁺ ion and 1 O²⁻ ion.**