Multiple Choice
Which of the following anions would bond with K^+ in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral ionic compound?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between calcium and fluorine?
A
Ca2F
B
CaF
C
CaF2
D
Ca2F2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by calcium and fluorine. Calcium is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2, so it forms a Ca^{2+} ion. Fluorine is a halogen in Group 17, so it forms an F^{-} ion.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges to form a neutral ionic compound. Since calcium has a charge of +2 and fluorine has a charge of -1, you need two fluoride ions to balance one calcium ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions in the ratio that balances the charges. This means one Ca^{2+} ion pairs with two F^{-} ions, giving the formula CaF_{2}.
Check that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge: (1 imes +2) + (2 imes -1) = 0, confirming the compound is electrically neutral.
Conclude that the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between calcium and fluorine is CaF_{2}.
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