Multiple Choice
NaCl is the chemical formula for which ionic compound?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum hydroxide?
A
Al(OH)3
B
AlOH
C
Al2(OH)3
D
Al2O3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charge of the aluminum ion. Aluminum typically forms a +3 charge, represented as Al^{3+}.
Identify the charge of the hydroxide ion. Hydroxide is a polyatomic ion with a charge of -1, represented as OH^{-}.
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Since aluminum has a +3 charge and hydroxide has a -1 charge, you need three hydroxide ions to balance one aluminum ion.
Write the chemical formula by placing the aluminum ion first, followed by the hydroxide ion with a subscript of 3 to indicate three hydroxide groups: Al(OH)_3.
Verify that the formula is electrically neutral by confirming that the total positive charge (+3) equals the total negative charge (3 × -1 = -3).
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