Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed between sodium (Na) and sulfur (S)?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for calcium dihydrogen phosphate?
A
Ca2(H2PO4)3
B
Ca2H2PO4
C
CaH2PO4
D
Ca(H2PO4)2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: calcium ion (Ca^{2+}) and dihydrogen phosphate ion (H_2PO_4^{-}).
Determine the charges on each ion: calcium has a charge of +2, and dihydrogen phosphate has a charge of -1.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to achieve electrical neutrality in the compound.
Since calcium has a +2 charge and dihydrogen phosphate has a -1 charge, two dihydrogen phosphate ions are needed to balance one calcium ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the calcium ion first, followed by the dihydrogen phosphate ion with a subscript 2 to indicate two of these ions: $Ca(H_2PO_4)_2$.
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