Question

If the formula for a compound is represented by X3Y2 and the charge on the Y ion is -3, what is the charge in the X ion?
+1
+2
+3
+4

Answer 1

Here we're assuming that X3Y2 is an ionic compound with a negatively charged Y anion and positively charged X cation.

The compound contains 3 Y anions, each with a charge of -2. So, the total negative charge in the compound is 3(-2) = -6.

However, this is not the overall charge on a compound, as it is not a ion and so must be electrically neutral overall (i.e. have no overall net charge). So the positive cations present must contribute an overall positive charge of +6 to complete cancel out the three anion's charges.

We know that the compound contains two identical X cations, which must sum to give this +6 charge. You should now be able to work out the identical charges both of them have to get the answer. Good luck!