Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct formula for the compound formed from Ca^{2+} and NO_3^{-} ions?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for copper(II) sulfate?
A
CuSO3
B
Cu2SO4
C
CuSO4
D
Cu2(SO4)3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in copper(II) sulfate. Copper(II) indicates the copper ion has a charge of +2, written as Cu^{2+}. The sulfate ion is SO_4^{2-}, with a charge of -2.
Since copper(II) has a +2 charge and sulfate has a -2 charge, the charges balance in a 1:1 ratio, meaning one Cu^{2+} ion pairs with one SO_4^{2-} ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions without needing any subscripts to balance the charges, resulting in CuSO_4.
Check the other options: CuSO_3 has sulfate replaced by sulfite (SO_3^{2-}), which is incorrect; Cu_2SO_4 and Cu_2(SO_4)_3 do not balance charges properly and are not standard formulas for copper(II) sulfate.
Conclude that the correct formula for copper(II) sulfate is CuSO_4, reflecting the 1:1 ratio of Cu^{2+} and SO_4^{2-} ions.
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