Unknown element W has 2 valence electrons. Unknown element X has 7 valence electrons. Which formula shows the most likely outcome when elements W and X react?

Question

A
WX

B
WX2

C
W2X

D
W2X2

Answer 1

The most likely outcome when elements W and X react is option C: W2X. This is because element W has 2 valence electrons and element X has 7 valence electrons. In order to achieve a stable outer electron configuration, element W will likely lose its 2 valence electrons while element X will likely gain those 2 electrons. This would result in W2+ and X2- ions, which would combine to form W2X.