Multiple Choice
Which is the correct name for the compound Na3P?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum hydroxide?
A
Al_2O_3
B
Al(OH)_3
C
AlOH
D
Al_3(OH)_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: aluminum typically forms a cation with a charge of +3, written as Al^{3+}, and the hydroxide ion is OH^{-} with a charge of -1.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge to zero. Since aluminum has a +3 charge and hydroxide has a -1 charge, you need three hydroxide ions to balance one aluminum ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining one aluminum ion with three hydroxide ions, placing the hydroxide group in parentheses to indicate it is a polyatomic ion: Al(OH)_3.
Verify that the total positive and negative charges balance out: +3 from Al^{3+} and 3 × (-1) from OH^{-} equals zero, confirming the formula is electrically neutral.
Compare this formula to the options given and confirm that Al(OH)_3 is the correct chemical formula for aluminum hydroxide.
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