Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound Al(NO3)3?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between lithium and sulfur?
A
Li2S
B
LiS2
C
LiS
D
Li2SO4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by lithium and sulfur. Lithium is an alkali metal in Group 1 and forms a +1 charge ion, written as $\mathrm{Li}^{+}$.
Sulfur is a nonmetal in Group 16 and typically forms a -2 charge ion, written as $\mathrm{S}^{2-}$.
To form a neutral ionic compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Since lithium has a +1 charge and sulfur has a -2 charge, you need two lithium ions to balance one sulfur ion.
Write the formula by combining two lithium ions and one sulfur ion, resulting in $\mathrm{Li}_{2}\mathrm{S}$.
Verify that the compound is electrically neutral by checking that the total positive charge (+2 from two $\mathrm{Li}^{+}$ ions) equals the total negative charge (-2 from one $\mathrm{S}^{2-}$ ion).
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