Multiple Choice
What is the correct chemical name for the compound CuS?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which is the correct formula for the compound formed between beryllium and nitrogen?
A
Be3N2
B
BeN2
C
Be2N3
D
BeN
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by beryllium and nitrogen. Beryllium (Be) is in group 2, so it typically forms a +2 charge (Be^{2+}). Nitrogen (N) is in group 15 and typically forms a -3 charge (N^{3-}).
Write the ions with their charges: Be^{2+} and N^{3-}. The goal is to combine these ions in a ratio that results in a neutral compound, meaning the total positive charge equals the total negative charge.
Find the lowest common multiple (LCM) of the charges 2 and 3, which is 6. This means the total positive charge should be +6 and the total negative charge should be -6 to balance the compound.
Determine how many beryllium ions are needed to reach +6 charge: since each Be^{2+} contributes +2, you need 3 Be^{2+} ions (3 × +2 = +6). Determine how many nitrogen ions are needed to reach -6 charge: since each N^{3-} contributes -3, you need 2 N^{3-} ions (2 × -3 = -6).
Write the formula by combining the ions in the ratio found: 3 beryllium ions and 2 nitrogen ions, resulting in the formula Be_{3}N_{2}.
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