Tag: rubidium

Rubidium Dichromate Formula

A chemical formula is a statement of the chemical composition of a compound. In ionic compounds, empirical formulas are used to indicate the ions and anions that combine in a ratio that produces an electrically neutral compound.

Identifying the ion pairs that combine in the empirical formula of a compound is very important for writing an accurate empirical formula, and knowing the magnitude of the charge on each monatomic ion is critical. A simple example is calcium phosphate, which contains Ca2+ and PO43- ions. The parentheses around PO4 in the empirical formula indicate that it is a polyatomic ion with a very different charge than the other ions.

The simplest way to write an empirical formula is to find the subscripts that are needed to balance the charges on each ion pair. Usually, the charge on each ion is the same as the absolute value of the charge on its parent atom; this gives an empirical formula that exactly cancels the charges on all ion pairs.

Another common practice is to use systematic names to write an empirical formula. This can help you determine the charges on the monatomic ions and also ensure that all the subscripts are reduced to the smallest whole numbers, which is necessary for writing an empirical formula.

Rubidium is miscible with most metals, and it has a melting point of 9 degC (48 degF). It can ignite spontaneously in air or react violently with water to form a solution of rubidium hydroxide. It is usually kept in dry mineral oil or an atmosphere of hydrogen to prevent fires. It is very toxic, and can cause respiratory tract diseases and kidney damage in occupational exposures. It is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

A chemical formula is a statement of the chemical composition of a compound. In ionic compounds, empirical formulas are used to indicate the ions and […]

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