Multiple Choice
When naming an ionic compound that contains the Fe^{2+} cation, how should the cation be named?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium oxalate?
A
NaC2O3
B
Na2C2O4
C
NaC2O4
D
Na2CO3
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the components of sodium oxalate. Sodium oxalate is a salt formed from sodium ions (Na\^+) and the oxalate ion. The oxalate ion is a polyatomic ion with the formula C2O4\^{2-}.
Step 2: Recognize the charge on each ion. Sodium ion has a charge of +1 (Na\^+), and the oxalate ion has a charge of -2 (C2O4\^{2-}).
Step 3: Determine the ratio of sodium ions to oxalate ions needed to balance the charges. Since oxalate has a -2 charge, two sodium ions (each +1) are needed to balance one oxalate ion, resulting in a neutral compound.
Step 4: Write the chemical formula by combining the ions in the correct ratio: two sodium ions and one oxalate ion, which gives Na2C2O4.
Step 5: Compare the given options with the correct formula Na2C2O4 to identify the correct answer.
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