Multiple Choice
When an atom loses a negatively-charged electron, it becomes a(n):
3
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which one of the following compounds contains an ion with a 3+ charge?
A
MgO
B
NaCl
C
K2SO4
D
FeCl3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions present in each compound by breaking them down into their constituent ions. For example, MgO consists of Mg^{2+} and O^{2-}, NaCl consists of Na^{+} and Cl^{-}, and K_2SO_4 consists of K^{+} and SO_4^{2-}.
Determine the charge on each ion in the compounds listed. Remember that alkali metals like K and Na typically form +1 ions, alkaline earth metals like Mg form +2 ions, and sulfate (SO_4) is a polyatomic ion with a -2 charge.
Recognize that FeCl_3 contains Fe^{3+} ions and Cl^{-} ions. The subscript 3 on Cl indicates three chloride ions, each with a -1 charge, balancing the +3 charge on the iron ion.
Understand that the question asks which compound contains an ion with a 3+ charge. From the ions identified, only Fe^{3+} has a 3+ charge.
Conclude that FeCl_3 is the compound containing an ion with a 3+ charge, while the other compounds contain ions with charges of +1 or +2.
Related Videos
Related Practice
