Write the electron configuration of elements X and Y, the formula of the compound formed when X and Y react, and the type of bond formed.

Ion $\text{X}^{3+}$ has an electron configuration of 2.8. This means it has lost 3 electrons.
Original number of electrons for element X = $2 + 8 + 3 = 13$.
Electron configuration of element X: $\boxed{2.8.3}$

Ion $\text{Y}^{2-}$ has an electron configuration of 2.8. This means it has gained 2 electrons.
Original number of electrons for element Y = $2 + 8 - 2 = 8$.
Electron configuration of element Y: $\boxed{2.6}$

b) Write the formula of the compound formed when X and Y react.
Element X has 3 valence electrons (from 2.8.3), so it forms an ion with a charge of $+3$ ($\text{X}^{3+}$).
Element Y has 6 valence electrons (from 2.6), so it forms an ion with a charge of $-2$ ($\text{Y}^{2-}$).
To balance the charges, two $\text{X}^{3+}$ ions are needed for every three $\text{Y}^{2-}$ ions ($2 \times +3 = +6$ and $3 \times -2 = -6$).
The formula of the compound is $\boxed{\text{X}_2\text{Y}_3}$.

c) What type of bond would be formed in the compound named in b) above?
Element X forms a positive ion ($\text{X}^{3+}$), indicating it is a metal.
Element Y forms a negative ion ($\text{Y}^{2-}$), indicating it is a non-metal.
The bond formed between a metal and a non-metal is an ionic bond.
Type of bond: $\boxed{\text{Ionic bond}}$

2. Draw an apparatus that is used in the laboratory to measure:

a) $250\text{ cm}^3$ of liquids or solutions.
A volumetric flask of $250\text{ cm}^3$ capacity is used for accurate measurement of a specific volume of liquid or for preparing solutions of known concentration. It has a narrow neck with a single calibration mark.

b) $26.5\text{ cm}^3$ of hydrochloric acid.
A burette is used for accurate measurement of variable volumes of liquids, especially in titrations, to a precision of $0.05\text{ cm}^3$. It is a long, graduated glass tube with a stopcock at the bottom.

3. Starting with Zinc; describe how solid Zinc carbonate can be prepared.

This will cause insoluble zinc carbonate to precipitate.