Outermost shells of two elements X and Y have 2 and 6 electrons , respectively .If they combine the expected formula of the compound will be

Options

A. XY
B. `X_(2)y`
C. `X_(2)y_(3)`
D. `XY_(3)`

Explanation

To determine the expected formula of the compound formed by elements X and Y, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the number of electrons in the outermost shells
- Element X has 2 electrons in its outermost shell.
- Element Y has 6 electrons in its outermost shell.

### Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of X and Y
- Element X, with 2 electrons, can lose these 2 electrons to achieve a stable configuration (similar to the nearest noble gas). Therefore, the oxidation state of X is +2.
- Element Y, with 6 electrons, needs 2 more electrons to complete its outer shell (which can hold a maximum of 8 electrons). Thus, it will gain 2 electrons, giving it an oxidation state of -2.

### Step 3: Write the formula based on oxidation states
- The oxidation state of X is +2 and that of Y is -2.
- To balance the charges, we can combine one atom of X with one atom of Y. The overall charge will be neutral (since +2 and -2 cancel each other out).

### Step 4: Write the empirical formula
- Combining the elements based on their oxidation states, the formula for the compound will be XY.

### Final Answer:
The expected formula of the compound formed by elements X and Y is **XY**.

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