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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound K_2O?
A
Potassium hydroxide
B
Potassium oxide
C
Potassium peroxide
D
Dipotassium monoxide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions present in the compound K_2O. The formula indicates it contains potassium (K) and oxygen (O).
Determine the charge of each ion: Potassium is an alkali metal and forms a +1 ion (K^+), while oxygen typically forms a -2 ion (O^{2-}) in ionic compounds.
Check the ratio of ions in the formula K_2O. There are two potassium ions (each +1) balancing one oxide ion (with a -2 charge), which makes the compound electrically neutral.
Name the cation first, which is potassium, followed by the name of the anion derived from oxygen. The oxide ion is named 'oxide' because it is the O^{2-} ion.
Combine the names to form the correct name of the compound: 'Potassium oxide'. Avoid prefixes like 'di-' or 'mono-' because these are not used in naming ionic compounds.