Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct formula unit for calcium oxide?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the correct name for the ionic compound with the formula Ba3N2?
A
tribarium dinitride
B
barium nitrate
C
barium(II) nitride
D
barium nitride
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the cation and anion in the formula $\mathrm{Ba_3N_2}$. Here, $\mathrm{Ba}$ is the cation (barium) and $\mathrm{N}$ is the anion (nitride).
Determine the charges of the ions: Barium is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2, so it forms $\mathrm{Ba^{2+}}$ ions. Nitrogen typically forms the nitride ion $\mathrm{N^{3-}}$.
Check the ratio of ions in the formula to ensure charge neutrality. The formula $\mathrm{Ba_3N_2}$ means there are 3 barium ions and 2 nitride ions. The total positive charge is $3 \times (+2) = +6$, and the total negative charge is $2 \times (-3) = -6$, so the compound is neutral.
Name the compound by stating the cation name first (barium) followed by the anion name with the suffix '-ide' (nitride). Since barium has a fixed charge, no Roman numeral is needed.
Confirm that the correct name is 'barium nitride' and not any other option that includes incorrect prefixes or polyatomic ions.
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