Two elements, P and Q with atomic numbers 11 and 8 respectively , combine chemically to form the compound P_xQ_Y. The respective values of x and y are?

djayenimoney

4 years ago

Even without knowing the elements you can figure out your answer. Follow me-->

The oxidation state of P(i.e the number of electrons needed to be lost, gained or shared to make an octet structure) will be the value of Y.
The atomic number for P is 11, therefore it has 11 electrons.
First shell --->2
Second shell ----> 8
Third shell ----> 1
You can see that it can easily give out the 1 electron to become stable so Y=1

Are you still with me?

Q has atomic number 8 therefore 8electrons.
Shell 1---> 2
Shell 2---> 6
You'll observe that it only needs 2electrons to form Octet structure there fore X=2

X=2, Y=1
I hope this helps someone 🙂

mc.Jeremiah

6 years ago

The answer is correct because the element with the atomic number 11 is sodium(Na) while the other with 8 is Oxygen(O2)
The chemical reaction between the two element are as follow;
4Na+O2---2Na2O
So according to the question p is sodium(Na) while q is Oxygen(O2),
While x and y are the subscript of sodium and oxygen respectively
Hence the value of x=2 while y=1

Edebo20

2 years ago

sodium peroxide
Na2O