To determine the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound given the ratio of sodium ([tex]$Na$[/tex]) to oxygen ([tex]$O$[/tex]) is [tex]\(2:1\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Understand the Ratio: The ratio [tex]\(2:1\)[/tex] means that for every 2 atoms of sodium (Na), there is 1 atom of oxygen (O).
2. Construct the Formula: To form a neutral ionic compound, the number of atoms specified by the ratio should reflect the correct proportions of atoms in the chemical formula. Therefore, if we have 2 atoms of sodium, we need 1 atom of oxygen.
3. Write the Chemical Formula: Combining these atoms in the given ratio results in the formula [tex]\( \text{Na}_2\text{O} \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound with a sodium to oxygen ratio of 2:1 is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{\text{Na}_2\text{O}} \][/tex]
Thus, among the given options:
- [tex]\( \text{NaO} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( \text{NaO}_2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( \text{Na}_2 \text{O} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( \text{Na}_2 \text{O}_2 \)[/tex]
The correct one is [tex]\( \text{Na}_2 \text{O} \)[/tex].
