Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the composition of the compound FeCl_3?
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
When magnesium (Mg^{2+}) and fluorine (F^{-}) combine to form an ionic compound, what is the correct chemical formula for the resulting compound?
A
MgF
B
Mg_2F_2
C
Mg_2F
D
MgF_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges on the ions involved: magnesium ion is Mg^{2+} and fluoride ion is F^{-}.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Since Mg^{2+} has a charge of +2 and F^{-} has a charge of -1, two fluoride ions are needed to balance one magnesium ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: one Mg^{2+} ion and two F^{-} ions, resulting in MgF_2.
Confirm that the total positive charge (+2 from Mg^{2+}) equals the total negative charge (2 × -1 from two F^{-} ions), ensuring the compound is neutral.
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