Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between strontium ions and nitrogen ions?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Writing Ionic Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for magnesium oxide?
A
Mg_2O_3
B
Mg_2O
C
MgO
D
MgO_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: Magnesium (Mg) typically forms a +2 charge (Mg^{2+}), and oxygen (O) typically forms a -2 charge (O^{2-}).
To write the correct chemical formula, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
Since Mg^{2+} and O^{2-} have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to balance the charges.
Write the formula by placing the symbols for magnesium and oxygen with no subscripts (or a subscript of 1) because one Mg^{2+} ion balances one O^{2-} ion, giving MgO.
Verify that the formula is electrically neutral by confirming that the sum of the charges is zero: (+2) + (-2) = 0, confirming MgO is the correct formula.
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