Can someone explain in detail how to predict the products of Rb + O2 → ?

Answer 1

For this type of question, you have to look at which group of the periodic table each element is in, which will give you its ionic charge, and this charge is how you predict the products as the total charge of the products must be 0.

Example:

Na + Cl = ?

Na = group 1 = +1 charge

Cl = group 17 = -1 charge

Equation: Na⁺ + Cl^- --> NaCl

As you can see, one element has a +1 charge and one has a -1 charge. This mean in the final equation (products), you would have one of each to make the product neutral (no charge) because +1 and -1 = 0.

Unfortunately, I do not know how to solve the problem you have presented here as O₂ does not have a charge, so I am not sure how to construct a balanced equation since Rb is charged (1+). But hopefully this helps you understand the concept of predicting products a little better.

I think the answer may be Rb + O₂ --> Rb₂O and this is rubidium oxide, but I do not want to give you the wrong answer, so you may want to reach out to your teacher about this.

Let me know if you need a better explanation.