Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium sulfate?
3
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Calcium chloride contains only calcium and chloride ions. What is the correct chemical formula for this compound?
A
CaCl
B
CaCl_2
C
Ca_2Cl_2
D
Ca_2Cl
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: Calcium (Ca) typically forms a Ca^{2+} ion, and chloride (Cl) forms a Cl^{-} ion.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge of the compound so that it is electrically neutral.
Since calcium has a charge of +2 and chloride has a charge of -1, you need two chloride ions to balance one calcium ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the calcium ion first, followed by the number of chloride ions needed, which is two, resulting in CaCl_{2}.
Verify that the total positive charge (+2 from Ca^{2+}) balances the total negative charge (2 × -1 from 2 Cl^{-}), confirming the formula is electrically neutral.
2:11mWatch next
Master Ionic Compounds Naming with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Naming Ionic Compounds practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations