Question

Write the chemical formula of the compound sodium zincate in a step-by-step manner.

Answer 1

The symbol of sodium is ‘Na’, having a valency of 1⁺.

The formula of zincate is ‘ZnO₂’ with valency 2^-.

Step 1 –

Write the formula of sodium zincate:

Symbol Valency

Sodium Na 1⁺

Zincate ZnO₂ 2^-

Step 2 –

Write each symbol with its valency:

Na¹⁺ ZnO₂^2-

Step 3 –

Interchanging the valencies:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Na}{\mathrm{ZnO}}_2 \\ \searrow \swarrow \\ {1}^{+}{2}^{-} \end{gathered}$$

The formula of the compound would be Na₂ZnO₂.