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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum nitrate?
A
Al(NO_2)_3
B
Al_2(NO_3)_3
C
Al_3N_2
D
Al(NO_3)_3
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions involved: Aluminum typically forms a +3 cation, written as Al^{3+}, and nitrate is a polyatomic ion with the formula NO_3^{-}.
Determine the charge balance needed: Since aluminum has a +3 charge and nitrate has a -1 charge, you need enough nitrate ions to balance the +3 charge of one aluminum ion.
Write the formula by combining one Al^{3+} ion with three NO_3^{-} ions to balance the charges, resulting in Al(NO_3)_3.
Check the other options: Al(NO_2)_3 contains nitrite ions (NO_2^{-}), which is different from nitrate, so it is incorrect.
Al_2(NO_3)_3 suggests two aluminum ions combined with three nitrate ions, which does not balance the charges correctly, and Al_3N_2 is aluminum nitride, not aluminum nitrate.