Sulphate Formula

The element X forms a cation by losing three electrons. Since the cation has a positive charge, it will combine with anions to form a neutral compound.

Step 1: Determine the charge of the anion
To determine the formula of the sulphate, we need to know the charge of the sulphate anion. The sulphate anion (SO4^2-) has a charge of -2. This is because oxygen has a charge of -2, and there are four oxygen atoms in the sulphate ion.

Step 2: Determine the charge of the cation
The cation formed by element X has a charge of +3, as it loses three electrons.

Step 3: Balance the charges
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge of the cation must be balanced by the total negative charge of the anion. Since the charge of the cation is +3 and the charge of the anion is -2, we need two sulphate anions to balance the charge of the cation.

Step 4: Write the formula
The formula of the sulphate is X2(SO4)2. The subscript 2 next to the X indicates that there are two cations present, and the subscript 2 next to the (SO4) indicates that there are two sulphate anions present.

Hydroxide Formula

The hydroxide anion (OH-) has a charge of -1. To determine the formula of the hydroxide, we need to balance the charges again.

Step 1: Determine the charge of the cation
The cation formed by element X has a charge of +3, as it loses three electrons.

Step 2: Balance the charges
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge of the cation must be balanced by the total negative charge of the anion. Since the charge of the cation is +3 and the charge of the hydroxide anion is -1, we need three hydroxide anions to balance the charge of the cation.

Step 3: Write the formula
The formula of the hydroxide is X(OH)3. The subscript 3 next to the (OH) indicates that there are three hydroxide anions present.

In summary, the formula of the sulphate of element X is X2(SO4)2 and the formula of its hydroxide is X(OH)3.