Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for copper(I) sulfide?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum oxide?
A
Al2O3
B
Al3O2
C
AlO
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 involves finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the charges 3 and 2.
Use the LCM to find the number of each ion: since LCM 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}.
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