If an ionic compound formed between an element from the first column of the periodic table and another from the sixth column, you would expect the compound to include
A) one atom from each of the two elements.
B) one atom from the first-column element and two atoms from the sixth-column element.
C) two atoms from the first-column element and one atom from the sixth-column element.
D) three atoms from the first-column element and two from the sixth-column element.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elements in the first column (alkali metals) have a +1 charge, while elements in the sixth column (chalcogens) have a -2 charge. To balance the charges, two atoms from the first-column element are needed for every one atom from the sixth-column element.

If an Ionic Compound Formed Between an Element from the First