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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for strontium sulfide?
A
Sr_2S_3
B
Sr_2S
C
SrS
D
SrS_2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the elements involved: strontium (Sr) and sulfur (S).
Determine the common charges (oxidation states) of the ions formed by these elements: strontium typically forms a +2 ion (Sr^{2+}), and sulfur typically forms a -2 ion (S^{2-}).
To write the correct formula for an ionic compound, balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Since Sr^{2+} and S^{2-} have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to balance the charges.
Write the formula by placing the symbols of the ions together without any subscripts (or with a subscript of 1, which is usually omitted), resulting in the formula $\mathrm{SrS}$.