Solution
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The chemical formula for strontium hydroxide is Sr(OH)₂. This compound is composed of one strontium ion (Sr²⁺) and two hydroxide ions (OH⁻). To understand how this formula is derived, let's break down the steps:
1. Identify the Elements and Ions Involved:
1. Identify the Elements and Ions Involved:
1. Identify the Elements and Ions Involved:
- Strontium (Sr) is a Group 2 element in the periodic table, which means it typically forms a cation with a charge of +2 when it reacts to form compounds.
- Hydroxide (OH) is a common polyatomic anion consisting of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom, carrying a charge of -1.
2. Determine the Ionic Charges:
- The strontium ion carries a +2 charge, denoted as Sr²⁺.
- The hydroxide ion carries a -1 charge, denoted as OH⁻.
3. Combine Ions to Form a Neutral Compound:
- To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- Since the strontium ion has a +2 charge and each hydroxide ion has a -1 charge, two hydroxide ions are needed to balance the +2 charge of one strontium ion.
4. Write the Chemical Formula:
- The chemical formula consists of the symbols of the elements involved, with subscripts indicating the number of each ion needed to achieve charge neutrality.
- In this case, one Sr²⁺ ion is combined with two OH⁻ ions, resulting in the formula Sr(OH)₂.
5. Check the Formula for Charge Balance:
- The total positive charge is +2 from the strontium ion.
- The total negative charge is -2 from the two hydroxide ions (2 × -1).
- Since the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, the compound is neutral.
Therefore, the chemical formula for strontium hydroxide is Sr(OH)₂, indicating a compound composed of one strontium ion and two hydroxide ions, which together form a stable, electrically neutral molecule.
- Strontium (Sr) is a Group 2 element in the periodic table, which means it typically forms a cation with a charge of +2 when it reacts to form compounds.
- Hydroxide (OH) is a common polyatomic anion consisting of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom, carrying a charge of -1.
2. Determine the Ionic Charges:
- The strontium ion carries a +2 charge, denoted as Sr²⁺.
- The hydroxide ion carries a -1 charge, denoted as OH⁻.
3. Combine Ions to Form a Neutral Compound:
- To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- Since the strontium ion has a +2 charge and each hydroxide ion has a -1 charge, two hydroxide ions are needed to balance the +2 charge of one strontium ion.
4. Write the Chemical Formula:
- The chemical formula consists of the symbols of the elements involved, with subscripts indicating the number of each ion needed to achieve charge neutrality.
- In this case, one Sr²⁺ ion is combined with two OH⁻ ions, resulting in the formula Sr(OH)₂.
5. Check the Formula for Charge Balance:
- The total positive charge is +2 from the strontium ion.
- The total negative charge is -2 from the two hydroxide ions (2 × -1).
- Since the total positive charge equals the total negative charge, the compound is neutral.
Therefore, the chemical formula for strontium hydroxide is Sr(OH)₂, indicating a compound composed of one strontium ion and two hydroxide ions, which together form a stable, electrically neutral molecule.
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