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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound with the formula Si_3N_4?
A
Silicon nitride
B
Silicon nitrate
C
Trisilicon tetranitride
D
Silicon(IV) nitride
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the elements present in the compound Si_3N_4. Here, Si is silicon (a metal or metalloid) and N is nitrogen (a nonmetal).
Recognize that this is an ionic compound formed between a metal/metalloid and a nonmetal, so the naming convention involves naming the cation (positive ion) first and the anion (negative ion) second.
For the cation, use the element name 'silicon' without any prefixes or Roman numerals because silicon typically forms a fixed oxidation state in this compound.
For the anion, nitrogen forms the nitride ion, which is named by taking the root of the element name and adding the suffix '-ide', resulting in 'nitride'.
Combine the names of the cation and anion to get the correct name: 'silicon nitride'. Avoid using prefixes or Roman numerals unless the compound is molecular or the metal has multiple oxidation states.