Question

Sebastian wants to write the chemical formula for phosphorus tetraoxide. Which steps will he take at some point in his process? Check all that apply.

Answer 1

Steps for the answer ⇒

1. First of all, name the element present in the compound whose formula you need to make.

  For exam. Phosphorus and Oxygen.

2. Note the valency of the element. Take the valency as per as Question, because many elements shows variable valency.

For example, Phosphorus here should be taken as P⁴⁺ and Oxygen should be O²⁻.

Oxygen's valency is fixed, but phosphorus shows variable valency. We have assumed it as 4 because here in the question, Oxygen is tetra, this means one element of phosphorus will be attached with four oxygen, hence four electrons of the phosphorus is transferred to oxygen. Thus it is P⁴⁺.

Now, P⁴⁺ and O²⁻ will combines and Finally we will write positive element on L.H.S and number of oxygen will be written just after it in small letter than Oxygen will be written and its number will be same as that of charge on Phosphorus.

    Ex.    P₂O₄.

This is the Required Compound which is formed during its reaction.

Hope it helps.