Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the compound LiOH?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lithium sulfide?
A
Li2S
B
LiSO4
C
LiS2
D
Li2SO3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: lithium (Li) is a metal that forms a cation with a charge of +1 (Li⁺), and sulfide (S) is a nonmetal anion with a charge of -2 (S²⁻).
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges so that the overall compound is electrically neutral. Since lithium has a +1 charge and sulfide has a -2 charge, two lithium ions are needed to balance one sulfide ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the lithium ion symbol with a subscript of 2 to indicate two lithium ions, followed by the sulfide ion symbol without a subscript (since there is only one sulfide ion). This gives the formula $\mathrm{Li_2S}$.
Check the other options: $\mathrm{LiSO_4}$ and $\mathrm{Li_2SO_3}$ contain polyatomic ions (sulfate and sulfite) which are different from sulfide, and $\mathrm{LiS_2}$ does not correctly balance the charges for lithium and sulfide ions.
Conclude that the correct formula for lithium sulfide, which balances the charges of lithium and sulfide ions, is $\mathrm{Li_2S}$.
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