Multiple Choice
What is the chemical name for table salt?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium sulfate?
A
Na2SO3
B
NaSO3
C
Na2SO4
D
NaSO4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in sodium sulfate. Sodium (Na) typically forms a +1 charge ion (Na\^+), and sulfate is a polyatomic ion with the formula SO\_4\^{2-}, which has a -2 charge.
Determine the ratio of sodium ions to sulfate ions needed to balance the charges. Since sodium has a +1 charge and sulfate has a -2 charge, two sodium ions are needed to balance one sulfate ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions in the ratio that balances the total positive and negative charges. This gives Na\_2SO\_4, where the subscript 2 indicates two sodium ions and the subscript 4 is part of the sulfate ion.
Check the other options to see if they correctly represent the charges and composition. For example, Na\_2SO\_3 represents sodium sulfite, not sulfate, and NaSO\_4 or NaSO\_3 do not balance the charges correctly.
Conclude that the correct chemical formula for sodium sulfate is Na\_2SO\_4, as it correctly reflects the ionic charges and composition.
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