Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between magnesium and nitrogen?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for iron(III) sulfide?
A
Fe3S2
B
Fe2S3
C
FeS
D
FeSO4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation states of the ions involved: iron(III) means iron has a +3 charge (Fe^{3+}), and sulfide is the sulfide ion with a -2 charge (S^{2-}).
Determine the ratio of iron to sulfide ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Use the crisscross method to balance charges: the charge of the iron ion (3) becomes the subscript of sulfur, and the charge of the sulfide ion (2) becomes the subscript of iron, resulting in Fe_{2}S_{3}.
Write the chemical formula using the subscripts found: Fe_{2}S_{3}, which indicates two iron(III) ions combine with three sulfide ions.
Verify that the total positive charge (2 × +3 = +6) balances the total negative charge (3 × -2 = -6), confirming the formula Fe_{2}S_{3} is correct.
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