If atom X with six electrons in its outermost shell combines with atom Y with one electron in its outermost shell to form an ionic compound, then?

  • A six atoms of X will combine with one of Y
  • B two atoms of X will combine with six of Y
  • C one atom of X will combine with two of Y
  • D two atoms of X will combine with one of Y
  • E one atom of X will combine with six of Y
jamb 1982chemistry

The correct answer is C. one atom of X will combine with two of Y

- When an element in group 1 takes part in a reaction, its atoms lose their outer electron and form positively charged ions , called cations .

- Group 6 elements, have 6 valence electrons and will tend to take 2 electrons and have a valency of -2.

- Hence; one atom of element X will require two atoms of Y 

- To form a compound XY\(_2\)

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