Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the compound AlPO_4?
2
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
What is the correct name for the ionic compound CaO?
A
Calcium hydroxide
B
Calcium dioxide
C
Calcium oxide
D
Calcium monoxide
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions present in the compound CaO. Calcium (Ca) is a metal that forms a cation with a charge of +2, written as Ca^{2+}. Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal that forms an anion with a charge of -2, written as O^{2-}.
Understand that ionic compounds are named by stating the cation name first followed by the anion name. The cation name is simply the element name, so Ca^{2+} is called 'Calcium'.
For the anion, oxygen forms the oxide ion, which is named by taking the root of the element name and adding the suffix '-ide'. Therefore, O^{2-} is called 'oxide'.
Combine the names of the cation and anion to form the compound name. Since the charges balance 1:1, no prefixes or additional numbers are needed.
Conclude that the correct name for CaO is 'Calcium oxide', not 'Calcium hydroxide', 'Calcium dioxide', or 'Calcium monoxide'.
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