Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lead(II) bromide?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for mercury(I) chloride?
A
HgCl2
B
HgCl
C
Hg2Cl
D
Hg2Cl2
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the oxidation state of mercury in mercury(I) chloride. Mercury(I) means mercury has a +1 oxidation state, but mercury(I) exists as a diatomic ion, $\mathrm{Hg_2^{2+}}$, where two mercury atoms share a +2 charge together.
Recognize that the mercury(I) ion is $\mathrm{Hg_2^{2+}}$, not just a single mercury ion. This means the formula must include two mercury atoms bonded together.
Determine the charge of the chloride ion, which is $\mathrm{Cl^-}$ with a -1 charge.
Balance the charges between the mercury(I) ion and chloride ions. Since $\mathrm{Hg_2^{2+}}$ has a +2 charge, you need two $\mathrm{Cl^-}$ ions to balance the charge, resulting in the formula $\mathrm{Hg_2Cl_2}$.
Confirm that the formula $\mathrm{Hg_2Cl_2}$ correctly represents mercury(I) chloride, reflecting the diatomic mercury(I) ion and the two chloride ions needed for charge neutrality.
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