Table of contents

3. Chemical Reactions

Naming Ionic Compounds

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following anions would bond with K^+ in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral ionic compound?

PO_4^{3-}

SO_4^{2-}

Cl^-

O^{2-}

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the charge on the potassium ion, K^+, which is +1.

Examine each anion's charge to determine the ratio needed to balance the positive charge of K^+ to form a neutral compound:

For PO_4^{3-}, the phosphate ion has a charge of -3, so 3 K^+ ions would be needed to balance one PO_4^{3-} ion, resulting in a 3:1 ratio, not 1:1.

For SO_4^{2-}, the sulfate ion has a charge of -2, so 2 K^+ ions would be needed to balance one SO_4^{2-} ion, resulting in a 2:1 ratio, not 1:1.

For Cl^-, the chloride ion has a charge of -1, which balances exactly with one K^+ ion, giving a 1:1 ratio and forming a neutral ionic compound.

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