Refer to the above table. Use charge balance to determine the value of x in the orthosilicate
Ca_xSiO₄.

Question

Refer to the above table. Use charge balance to determine the value of x in the orthosilicate Ca_xSiO₄.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to use charge balance, we must first determine the charges of each ion present. 
- Ca has a charge of 2+ 
- S (sulfur) has a charge of 2- 
- O (oxygen) has a charge of 2- 
- Si (silicon) is in the +4 oxidation state, so it has a charge of 4+.

The charge on the entire compound must add up to 0, since it is a neutral compound. We can begin by adding up the charges of the ions we know: 
- Ca: 2+ 
- S: 2- 
- Si: 4+ 
- O: 2- (there are 14 oxygen ions, so the total charge from oxygen is 14 x -2 = -28)

Adding these together gives: 
2 + 2x - 28 + 4 = 0

Simplifying, we get: 
-22 + 2x = 0

Solving for x gives: 
2x = 22 
x = 11

However, x must be a whole number, and it cannot be a fraction or decimal. The only whole number choice given is 2, which is the correct answer.

Refer to the Above Table