Q75P
Question
An ionic compound forms when calcium (Z = 20) reacts with iodide (Z = 53). If a sample of the compound contains calcium ions, how many iodide ions does it contain?
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedThe amount of iodide ions in the sample is
The atomic number of calcium (Ca) is 20, so the electronic configuration of Ca is 2, 8, 8, 2. So, for attaining a more stable state, Ca easily loses two electrons and form a positive ion, that is,
The atomic number of iodine (I) is 53, so the electronic configuration of I is 2, 8, 18, 8, and 7. Thus, for attaining stability I will gain one electron and form a negative ion, that is,
Hence, the chemical formula of the ionic compound is .
In the compound, 1 mole of calcium ion is equal to the 2 moles of iodide ions.
So, the amount of iodide ions is twice the amount of calcium ions.
The number of calcium ions present in the compound is
Therefore, the sample contains iodide ions.