Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for iron(III) hydroxide?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum nitrate?
A
Al_2(NO_3)_3
B
Al(NO_2)_3
C
Al(NO_3)_3
D
Al_3N_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: aluminum typically forms a +3 charge ion, written as Al^{3+}, and nitrate is a polyatomic ion with the formula NO_3^{-} and a -1 charge.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges so that the overall compound is electrically neutral. Since aluminum has a +3 charge and nitrate has a -1 charge, you need three nitrate ions to balance one aluminum ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the aluminum ion first, followed by the nitrate ion with a subscript of 3 to indicate three nitrate ions: Al(NO_3)_3.
Check the other options: Al_2(NO_3)_3 would imply two aluminum ions and three nitrate ions, which does not balance the charges correctly; Al(NO_2)_3 uses nitrite ions (NO_2^{-}), not nitrate; Al_3N_2 is aluminum nitride, a different compound entirely.
Conclude that the correct formula for aluminum nitrate is Al(NO_3)_3 because it correctly represents the combination of one Al^{3+} ion with three NO_3^{-} ions to form a neutral compound.
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