Question
Chemistry Question on General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
The formula of a metal oxide is M0.96 O1. The fractions of metal that exists as M3+and M2+ ions in that oxide are respectively
0.083, 0.916
0.916, 0.083
0.88,0.12
0.12, 0.88
0.083, 0.916
Solution
The correct option is: (A): 0.083, 0.916.
The given metal oxide has the formula M0.96O1, indicating that there is a slight deficiency of the metal. This implies that the metal can exist in multiple oxidation states.
Since the oxide formula is M0.96O1, the ratio of metal ions to oxygen ions is not exactly 1:1. This suggests the presence of both M3+ and M2+ ions to balance the charges.
To justify the answer:
Fraction of M3+ ions : Since there is a slight deficiency of metal, indicating the presence of a higher oxidation state, the fraction of M3+ ions is lower. The difference between the ideal ratio of 1:1 and the actual composition indicates the fraction of M3+ ions: (1 - 0.96) = 0.04.
Fraction of M2+ ions : The remaining metal ions must be in the M2+ oxidation state. The difference between the ideal ratio and the M2+ fraction can be calculated as 1 - 0.04 = 0.96. So, the fractions of M3+ and M2+ ions are approximately 0.04 and 0.96