Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the compound Fe(OH)2?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for mercury(II) chloride?
A
HgCl
B
Hg_2Cl_2
C
Hg_2Cl
D
HgCl_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation state of mercury in mercury(II) chloride. The Roman numeral II indicates that mercury has a +2 charge, written as Hg^{2+}.
Determine the charge of the chloride ion, which is Cl^{-} with a -1 charge.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to form a neutral compound. Since mercury has a +2 charge and chloride has a -1 charge, two chloride ions are needed to balance one mercury ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining one Hg^{2+} ion with two Cl^{-} ions, resulting in HgCl_2.
Verify that the formula HgCl_2 reflects the correct ratio of ions to maintain electrical neutrality in the compound.
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