Multiple Choice
Is potassium sulfide (K2S) an ionic or covalent compound?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Multiple Choice
What is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound named aluminum sulfite?
A
Al2(SO3)3
B
Al(SO3)2
C
Al2SO4
D
AlSO3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in the compound: aluminum ion and sulfite ion. Aluminum typically forms a +3 charge ion, written as Al^{3+}. The sulfite ion is SO_3^{2-}.
Write down the charges of each ion: Al^{3+} and SO_3^{2-}. The goal is to combine these ions so that the total positive charge balances the total negative charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges. Since aluminum has a +3 charge and sulfite has a -2 charge, find the least common multiple of 3 and 2, which is 6. This means the total positive charge should be +6 and the total negative charge should be -6.
Calculate how many of each ion are needed to reach the total charge of 6: For Al^{3+}, 2 ions give +6 charge (2 × +3 = +6). For SO_3^{2-}, 3 ions give -6 charge (3 × -2 = -6).
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: Al_2(SO_3)_3. Parentheses are used around the polyatomic ion SO_3 to indicate that three sulfite ions are present.
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