Q16 Analysis shows that nickel oxide has the formula Ni0.98O1.00. What fractions of nickel exist as Ni2+ and Ni3+ ions?

Q16 Analysis shows that nickel oxide has the formula Ni_0.98O_1.00. What fractions of nickel exist as Ni²⁺ and Ni³⁺ ions?

Formula is Ni_0.98O_1.00

So the ration of Ni : O = 98:100

So if there are 100 atoms of oxygen then 98 atoms of Ni

Let number of atoms of Ni⁺² = x

Then number of atoms of Ni⁺³ = 98–x

Charge on Ni = charge on O

So that oxygen has charge –2

3(98–x) + 2x = 2 (100)

294 –3x +2x = 200

–x = – 94

x = 94

Percentage of Ni⁺²          = (atom of Ni⁺²/total number of atoms of Ni)100

        =100(94/98)*100

                    = 96%

Percentage of Ni⁺³             

                          =100 – Ni⁺²

                    =100 – 96

                    = 4 %