Multiple Choice
Which compound is formed when sodium and chlorine react together?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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In the name of an ionic compound, what does the Roman numeral represent?
A
The number of atoms of the metal present
B
The charge of the metal cation
C
The oxidation state of the nonmetal anion
D
The total number of ions in the compound
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that in ionic compounds, metals can have multiple possible charges (oxidation states).
Recognize that the Roman numeral in the name of an ionic compound indicates the specific charge (oxidation state) of the metal cation in that compound.
Recall that this is important because some metals, especially transition metals, can form more than one type of positive ion, so the Roman numeral clarifies which ion is present.
Note that the Roman numeral does not represent the number of atoms of the metal, the charge of the nonmetal anion, or the total number of ions in the compound.
Therefore, the Roman numeral specifically tells you the charge of the metal cation in the ionic compound.
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