Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lead(II) sulfide?
2
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for magnesium nitrate?
A
Mg_3N_2
B
Mg_2(NO_3)_3
C
Mg(NO_3)_2
D
MgNO_3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: magnesium typically forms a Mg^{2+} ion, and the nitrate ion is NO_3^{-}.
Determine the charges of each ion: Mg^{2+} has a charge of +2, and NO_3^{-} has a charge of -1.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to form a neutral compound. Since Mg^{2+} is +2 and NO_3^{-} is -1, two nitrate ions are needed to balance one magnesium ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of nitrate ions in parentheses with a subscript 2 to indicate two nitrate groups: Mg(NO_3)_2.
Verify that the formula is electrically neutral: one Mg^{2+} ion (+2) and two NO_3^{-} ions (2 × -1 = -2) sum to zero charge.
2:11mWatch next
Master Ionic Compounds Naming with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Naming Ionic Compounds practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations