Multiple Choice
Which metallic ion is present in copper(II) chloride?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the correct chemical formula for the compound lead(II) cyanide?
A
Pb(CN)2
B
Pb2(CN)3
C
PbCN2
D
Pb2CN
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in the compound. Lead(II) indicates the lead ion has a charge of +2, written as Pb^{2+}. The cyanide ion is CN^{-}, with a charge of -1.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge of the compound. Since Pb^{2+} has a +2 charge and CN^{-} has a -1 charge, two cyanide ions are needed to balance one lead ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the lead ion symbol first, followed by the cyanide ion in parentheses with a subscript indicating the number of cyanide ions needed to balance the charge.
The correct formula is therefore Pb(CN)_{2}, showing one lead ion combined with two cyanide ions to form a neutral compound.
Verify that the total positive and negative charges balance to zero, confirming the formula is electrically neutral.
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