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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium chloride?
A
Na_2Cl
B
NaCl_2
C
Na_2Cl_2
D
NaCl
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the elements involved. Sodium chloride is composed of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
Step 2: Determine the charges of the ions formed by each element. Sodium typically forms a +1 ion (Na\^{+}), and chlorine typically forms a -1 ion (Cl\^{-}).
Step 3: Use the charges to find the simplest ratio of ions that results in a neutral compound. Since both ions have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
Step 4: Write the chemical formula by placing the symbols of the elements side by side, with subscripts indicating the number of atoms. Because the ratio is 1:1, no subscripts are needed beyond the element symbols themselves, resulting in NaCl.
Step 5: Verify that the formula is electrically neutral by confirming that the total positive charge balances the total negative charge.