Use Lewis theory to determine the formula for the compound that forms between the two elements listed: Al and N Mg and I Ca and S Al and F?

1 Answer

• First step in these problems is to figure out the charge that each element has

  1. Al and N

  Well..Aluminum has a +3 charge and Nitrogen has a -3 charge so you can just put them together since it is a 1:1 ratio of charges

  AlN (aluminum nitride)

  2. Mg and I

  Magnesium has a +2 charge and Iodine has -1 charge, so you would need 2 Iodine to cancel out the charge of the Magnesium

  MgI2 (Magnesium iodide)

  Repeat the same process for the remaining two compounds.