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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for calcium nitrite?
A
Ca(NO_2)_2
B
Ca_2NO_2
C
Ca(NO_3)_2
D
CaN_2O_4
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions involved: calcium typically forms a Ca^{2+} ion, and nitrite is the polyatomic ion NO_2^{-}.
Determine the charges on each ion: Ca^{2+} has a charge of +2, and NO_2^{-} has a charge of -1.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to form a neutral compound. Since calcium has a +2 charge and nitrite has a -1 charge, two nitrite ions are needed to balance one calcium ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the calcium ion first, followed by the nitrite ion with a subscript of 2 to indicate two nitrite ions: Ca(NO_2)_2.
Verify that the formula is electrically neutral by confirming that the total positive charge (+2 from Ca^{2+}) equals the total negative charge (2 × -1 from two NO_2^{-} ions).