Question

The formula of the calcium ion is $C{a}^{2+}$ and that of the acetate ion is $C{H}_{3}CO{O}^{-}$. What is the formula of calcium acetate?

• A. $Ca(C{H}_{3}COO{)}_2$
• B. $CaC{H}_{3}COO$
• C. $C{a}_2(C{H}_{2}COO{)}_2$
• D. $C{a}_{2}C{H}_{3}COO$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $Ca(C{H}_{3}COO{)}_2$

Valency of an element is a measure of its combining power with other atoms when it forms chemical compounds or molecules. Cross multiplying the given valencies gives us:

${Ca}^{2+}{C{H}_{3}COO}^{-}2\searrow \swarrow 1Ca{\left({CH}_{3}COO\right)}_2$