What is the Cation to Anion Ratio for Ionic Compounds?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the cation to anion ratio for various ionic compounds, specifically Potassium Chloride (KCl), Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), Calcium Oxide (CaO), and Strontium Chloride (SrCl2). Participants emphasize the importance of balancing the positive and negative charges to achieve a neutral compound. The correct ratios are derived from the charges of the respective ions: KCl has a 1:1 ratio, CaF2 has a 1:2 ratio, Al2O3 has a 2:3 ratio, CaO has a 1:1 ratio, and SrCl2 has a 1:2 ratio.

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  • Understanding of ionic compounds and their properties
  • Knowledge of cations and anions
  • Familiarity with charge balancing in chemical formulas
  • Basic chemistry terminology related to compounds
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Lou1024
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Hey everyone,
Im pretty terrible in Chemistry, and I am stuck on something that's probably easy and obvious:
Determine the ratio of cations to anions for the following ionic compounds.
a. Potassium chloride.
b. Calcium Fluoride.
c. Aluminum oxide
d. calcium oxide.
e. Strontium chloride.

If someone could provide me with some information on how I can come about the answers, It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lou
 
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It would probably help to write out the chemicals like this instead,
KCl
CaF2
Al2O3
CaO
SrCl2

Cations have a positive charge, anions have a negative charge, over all, the compound has a neutral charge.
 
Last edited:
Yeh thanks, I think I figured it out.
 
yeah, just balance out the charges
 

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