Multiple Choice
What occurs when a magnesium atom becomes a magnesium ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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In a neutral compound formed from Al^{3+} ions and S^{2-} ions, what is the ratio of Al^{3+} ions to S^{2-} ions?
A
1 Al^{3+} : 2 S^{2-}
B
2 Al^{3+} : 3 S^{2-}
C
1 Al^{3+} : 1 S^{2-}
D
3 Al^{3+} : 2 S^{2-}
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges on the ions involved: Aluminum ion is $\mathrm{Al^{3+}}$ with a charge of +3, and sulfide ion is $\mathrm{S^{2-}}$ with a charge of -2.
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Let the number of aluminum ions be $x$ and the number of sulfide ions be $y$.
Set up the charge balance equation based on the charges and quantities: $3x = 2y$.
Solve the equation for the ratio $\frac{x}{y}$: $\frac{x}{y} = \frac{2}{3}$, meaning for every 2 aluminum ions, there are 3 sulfide ions.
Express the ratio of $\mathrm{Al^{3+}}$ to $\mathrm{S^{2-}}$ ions as $2 : 3$ to ensure the compound is electrically neutral.
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