Multiple Choice
Which particles in an atom carry an electric charge of -1?
1
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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In a neutral compound formed from aluminum ions (Al^{3+}) and sulfide ions (S^{2-}), what is the simplest whole-number ratio of Al ions to S ions?
A
3:2
B
1:1
C
2:3
D
2:1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges on the ions involved: aluminum ion is Al^{3+} with a charge of +3, and sulfide ion is S^{2-} with a charge of -2.
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Let the number of aluminum ions be x and the number of sulfide ions be y.
Set up the charge balance equation: 3x = 2y, where 3x is the total positive charge and 2y is the total negative charge (ignoring signs).
Find the smallest whole-number ratio of x to y that satisfies 3x = 2y. This means x/y = 2/3.
Therefore, the simplest whole-number ratio of Al^{3+} ions to S^{2-} ions is 2:3.
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