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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for aluminum sulfide?
A
AlS3
B
Al2S3
C
AlS
D
Al3S2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the charges of the ions involved. Aluminum typically forms a +3 charge (Al^{3+}), and sulfide forms a -2 charge (S^{2-}).
Step 2: To write the correct formula, balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Step 3: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the charges 3 and 2, which is 6. This means the total positive charge should be +6 and the total negative charge should be -6.
Step 4: Determine the number of aluminum and sulfide ions needed to reach these charges. For aluminum: 2 ions \times +3 = +6; for sulfide: 3 ions \times -2 = -6.
Step 5: Write the formula using the number of ions found: Al_{2}S_{3}.