Question

An element A has valency 1 and an element B has valency 3. what would be the formula of the compound formed by A and B if B is a metal.

Answer 1

Writing the chemical formulae

Here it is given that B is a metal with a valency of 3 and A is with a valency of 1

The steps involved in it are:

Step 1: Write the symbols of the constituent elements, B and A

B A

Step 2: Write the valency of each element as a superscript, here the valency of B is 3 and A is 1.

B³ A¹

Step 3: Interchange the valencies and write them as subscripts

B₁ A₃

Step 4: Divide the valencies by a common factor, if divisible. here there is no such common factor

B₁ A₃

The chemical formula of a compound is BA₃ (valency 1 need not be written)