Multiple Choice
Which statement correctly explains how magnesium and chlorine combine to form magnesium chloride?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What are the charges on the copper and phosphide ions, respectively, in copper(II) phosphide?
A
Cu: 1+, P: 3-
B
Cu: 2+, P: 2-
C
Cu: 2+, P: 3-
D
Cu: 1+, P: 2-
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation state of copper from the name 'copper(II) phosphide.' The Roman numeral II indicates that copper has a charge of +2, so the copper ion is Cu^{2+}.
Recognize that phosphide refers to the ion formed by phosphorus gaining electrons. Phosphorus typically forms the phosphide ion with a charge of 3-, so the phosphide ion is P^{3-}.
Understand that the compound must be electrically neutral overall, so the total positive charge from copper ions must balance the total negative charge from phosphide ions.
Write the formula for the compound by balancing the charges: since Cu is +2 and P is -3, find the smallest whole number ratio of Cu to P that balances the charges (e.g., 3 Cu^{2+} ions and 2 P^{3-} ions).
Conclude that the charges on the ions in copper(II) phosphide are Cu^{2+} and P^{3-}, consistent with the compound's name and charge balance.
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