Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for zinc fluoride?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the correct name for the compound with the formula Cu(OH)_2?
A
Copper(II) oxide
B
Copper(II) hydroxide
C
Copper(I) hydroxide
D
Cupric hydroxide
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the metal in the compound: Cu stands for copper.
Determine the charge on the copper ion: Since the compound is Cu(OH)\_2, and hydroxide (OH) has a charge of -1, two hydroxide ions contribute a total charge of -2. Therefore, copper must have a +2 charge to balance the compound, making it Copper(II).
Recognize the polyatomic ion present: OH is the hydroxide ion.
Combine the metal name with its oxidation state and the name of the polyatomic ion: Copper with a +2 charge is named Copper(II), and OH is hydroxide, so the compound is named Copper(II) hydroxide.
Understand that 'Copper(II) oxide' and 'Copper(I) hydroxide' are incorrect because the oxidation state or the anion does not match the formula Cu(OH)\_2.
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