Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for K_2SO_4?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium phosphate?
A
Na2PO4
B
Na3PO3
C
NaPO4
D
Na3PO4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: sodium ion (Na\(\textsuperscript{+}\)) and phosphate ion (PO\(\textsubscript{4}\)\(\textsuperscript{3-}\)).
Determine the charge on each ion: sodium ion has a +1 charge, phosphate ion has a -3 charge.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to make a neutral compound. Since phosphate has a -3 charge, you need three sodium ions (each +1) to balance it.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions with the correct subscripts: three sodium ions and one phosphate ion, resulting in Na\(\textsubscript{3}\)PO\(\textsubscript{4}\).
Verify that the total positive charge (+3 from 3 Na\(\textsuperscript{+}\)) balances the total negative charge (-3 from PO\(\textsubscript{4}\)\(\textsuperscript{3-}\)), confirming the formula is electrically neutral.
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