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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between silver (Ag) and oxygen (O)?
A
AgO
B
Ag2O3
C
AgO2
D
Ag2O
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by each element: Silver (Ag) typically forms a +1 ion (Ag\^{+}), and oxygen (O) typically forms a -2 ion (O\^{2-}).
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Since silver has a +1 charge and oxygen has a -2 charge, you need two silver ions to balance one oxygen ion, because 2 \times (+1) = +2, which balances the -2 charge from oxygen.
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: two silver ions and one oxygen ion gives Ag\_2O.
Confirm that the formula Ag\_2O represents a neutral compound with balanced charges, making it the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between silver and oxygen.