Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for platinum(II) nitrite?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the ratio of iron to oxygen atoms in the chemical formula for iron(III) oxide?
A
1:2
B
1:1
C
2:3
D
3:2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation state of iron in iron(III) oxide. The (III) indicates that iron has a +3 charge, so Fe is Fe^{3+}.
Recognize that oxygen typically has a charge of -2, so O is O^{2-}.
To find the ratio of iron to oxygen atoms, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
Set up the charge balance equation: if there are x iron atoms and y oxygen atoms, then 3x (from Fe^{3+}) plus (-2y) (from O^{2-}) must equal zero, so 3x - 2y = 0.
Solve for the smallest whole number ratio of x to y that satisfies 3x = 2y, which gives the ratio of iron to oxygen atoms in the formula.
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