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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for copper(I) sulfide?
A
Cu2SO3
B
CuSO4
C
CuS
D
Cu2S
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the oxidation state of copper in copper(I) sulfide. Copper(I) means copper has a +1 charge, written as Cu\(^{+1}\).
Identify the charge of the sulfide ion. Sulfide is the sulfur ion with a charge of -2, written as S\(^{2-}\).
Balance the total positive and negative charges to form a neutral compound. Since copper is +1 and sulfide is -2, you need two copper ions to balance one sulfide ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining two Cu\(^{+1}\) ions with one S\(^{2-}\) ion, resulting in Cu\(_2\)S.
Verify that the formula Cu\(_2\)S is neutral by checking that the total positive charge (+2 from two Cu\(^{+1}\)) balances the total negative charge (-2 from one S\(^{2-}\)).