Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for nickel(III) oxide?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for potassium oxide?
A
K2O
B
KO
C
K2O2
D
KO2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: Potassium (K) is an alkali metal in Group 1, so it forms a +1 cation, written as K\u207a.
Oxygen typically forms an oxide ion with a charge of -2, written as O\u207b\u00b2.
To write the correct formula for potassium oxide, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
Since each potassium ion has a +1 charge and the oxide ion has a -2 charge, you need two potassium ions to balance one oxide ion.
Combine the ions accordingly to get the formula: $\mathrm{K}_2\mathrm{O}$, which shows two potassium ions for every oxide ion.
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