The chemical formula for cesium oxide is $Cs _2 O$. What is the charge of cesium?
A. +1
B. +2
C. -1
D. -2
Answer (2)
Recognize that cesium oxide is a neutral compound.
Let the charge of cesium be 'x' and set up the equation: 2 x + ( − 2 ) = 0 .
Solve the equation 2 x − 2 = 0 for x.
The charge of cesium is + 1 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given the chemical formula for cesium oxide, which is C s 2 O . Our goal is to determine the charge of the cesium ion (Cs). We know that the compound is neutral, meaning the sum of the charges of all the ions in the compound must equal zero. Oxygen (O) typically has a charge of -2.
Setting up the Equation Let's denote the charge of cesium as 'x'. Since there are two cesium ions in the formula C s 2 O , the total positive charge from cesium is 2 x . The charge of one oxygen ion is -2. Therefore, the sum of the charges in the compound is 2 x + ( − 2 ) . Since the compound is neutral, this sum must equal zero.
Solving for the Charge of Cesium Now we can set up the equation: 2 x − 2 = 0
To solve for x, we first add 2 to both sides of the equation: 2 x = 2
Then, we divide both sides by 2: x = 1
Therefore, the charge of cesium is +1.
Final Answer The charge of cesium (Cs) in cesium oxide ( C s 2 O ) is +1.
Examples
Understanding the charge of ions is crucial in various fields, such as designing batteries, understanding corrosion, and developing new materials. For example, in battery design, knowing the charge of ions like lithium ( L i + ) helps in creating efficient and stable electrolytes that facilitate ion transport between electrodes. Similarly, in environmental science, understanding the charge of ions like sulfate ( S O 4 2 − ) helps in predicting their behavior and impact on water quality.
The charge of cesium (Cs) in cesium oxide ( C s 2 O ) is +1. This is determined by balancing the charges in the compound, where cesium contributes a total positive charge of +2 to balance the charge of -2 from the oxide ion. Therefore, the correct answer is option A. +1.
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