What is the ionic charge for the copper ion in CuS? (Don’t Google, this may not be a real compound)
A 2+
B 1+
C zero
D 3+
E none of the above
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is A) 2+.
Explanation:
To determine the ionic charge of the copper ion in copper sulfide (CuS), we need to consider the charges of the ions involved in this compound.
- Sulfide Ion (S²⁻): In this compound, the sulfide ion (S) is derived from sulfur. Sulfur typically forms an anion with a 2− charge, as it gains two electrons to fill its valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration. Thus, the charge on the sulfide ion (S²⁻) is 2−.
- Copper Ion (Cu²⁺): Copper is a transition metal, and like other transition metals, it can form more than one type of ion. Copper typically forms two common oxidation states: +1 and +2. When copper forms a compound with sulfide (S²⁻), the charge of the copper ion must balance out the charge of the sulfide ion.
- Since each sulfide ion carries a 2− charge, and there is one sulfide ion in CuS, the copper ion must have a charge of +2 to balance the overall charge of the compound.
- The compound must be electrically neutral, and the sum of the charges of the ions must equal zero. Therefore, to balance the −2 charge from the sulfide ion, the copper ion must carry a +2 charge.
Thus, in CuS, the copper ion has a charge of +2, meaning its ionic charge is Cu²⁺.
Conclusion:
The copper ion in CuS has a charge of +2, and the correct answer is A) 2+.