Question

X and Z are two neutral particles. If X donates an electron to Z what is the resulting charge of the two particles?

Answer 1

You exchange 1 electron, the salt would be formulated as `X^(+)Z^(-)`.

Explanation:

All chemical reactivity is predicated on the basis of conservation of mass and charge. If you start with one gram of reactant, from all sources, AT MOST you can get one gram of product. (In practice, you are not even going to get that. Why not?)

Charge is also fundamentally conserved. When `X` loses an electron, it becomes `X^+`, when `Z` is reduced, i.e. gains an electron, it becomes `Z^-`. Why can't `X` or `Z` lose the positively charged particle to become `X^-` and `Z^-`?