Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for titanium(II) oxide?
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
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum oxide?
A
Al2O3
B
AlO
C
Al3O2
D
AlO2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: Aluminum typically forms a +3 charge (Al^{3+}), and oxygen typically forms a -2 charge (O^{2-}).
To write the correct formula for aluminum oxide, balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Determine the smallest whole number ratio of aluminum ions to oxide ions that balances the charges. This means finding the least common multiple of the charges 3 and 2.
Since the least common multiple of 3 and 2 is 6, you need 2 aluminum ions (2 × +3 = +6) and 3 oxide ions (3 × -2 = -6) to balance the charges.
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: Al_{2}O_{3}.
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