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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound with the formula Cu_2S?
A
Copper(I) sulfide
B
Copper sulfate
C
Copper(II) sulfide
D
Copper(I) sulfate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the cation and anion in the formula Cu_2S. Here, Cu represents copper (the cation) and S represents sulfur (the anion).
Determine the charge on the sulfur ion. Sulfur typically forms sulfide ions with a charge of 2-, written as S^{2-}.
Since the compound is neutral overall, the total positive charge from copper ions must balance the 2- charge from one sulfide ion. There are 2 copper atoms, so each copper ion must have a charge of +1 to balance the charge (2 × +1 = +2).
Name the cation using its element name and the charge in Roman numerals in parentheses. Since copper has a +1 charge here, it is named Copper(I).
Name the anion by taking the root of the element name and adding the suffix '-ide'. Sulfur becomes sulfide. Combine the names to get Copper(I) sulfide.