Multiple Choice
Which formula represents calcium hydride?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for calcium oxide?
A
CaO
B
Ca_2O_3
C
Ca_2O
D
CaO_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: calcium typically forms a Ca^{2+} ion, and oxygen typically forms an O^{2-} ion.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Since Ca^{2+} and O^{2-} have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
Write the chemical formula by placing the symbols of calcium and oxygen with their respective subscripts indicating the ratio; since it is 1:1, no subscripts are needed.
Conclude that the correct chemical formula for calcium oxide is CaO.
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