Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

2. Atoms & Elements

Ions

General Chemistry

2. Atoms & Elements

Ions

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Multiple Choice

When writing the formula for an ionic compound, why must the total positive and negative charges balance?

To maximize the compound's solubility in water

To increase the melting point of the compound

To allow the compound to conduct electricity in solid form

To ensure the compound is electrically neutral

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand that ionic compounds are formed by the attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).

Recognize that for an ionic compound to be stable, the total positive charge from the cations must exactly balance the total negative charge from the anions.

This balance of charges ensures that the compound is electrically neutral overall, which is a fundamental requirement for the compound's existence.

Note that if the charges did not balance, the compound would carry a net charge, making it unstable and unlikely to form a solid lattice structure.

Therefore, when writing the formula of an ionic compound, the subscripts of the ions are adjusted so that the sum of positive charges equals the sum of negative charges, ensuring electrical neutrality.