Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical equation for the dissociation of butanoic acid (C3H7COOH) in water, including the phases of all species?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Writing Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for barium hydroxide?
A
Ba_2(OH)
B
BaOH
C
Ba_2O_2H_2
D
Ba(OH)_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: Barium is a metal from Group 2 of the periodic table, so it forms a cation with a charge of +2, written as \(\mathrm{Ba^{2+}}\).
Recognize the hydroxide ion: The hydroxide ion is a polyatomic ion with the formula \(\mathrm{OH^-}\) and a charge of -1.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance charges: Since barium has a +2 charge and hydroxide has a -1 charge, two hydroxide ions are needed to balance one barium ion, resulting in a neutral compound.
Write the chemical formula by placing the hydroxide ion in parentheses with a subscript 2 to indicate two hydroxide ions: \(\mathrm{Ba(OH)_2}\).
Verify that the formula is electrically neutral by confirming that the total positive charge (+2 from barium) balances the total negative charge (2 × -1 from hydroxide).
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