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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium chloride?
A
Na_2Cl_2
B
Na_2Cl
C
NaCl
D
NaCl_2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the elements involved in the compound. Sodium chloride consists of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
Step 2: Determine the charges of the ions formed by each element. Sodium typically forms a +1 ion (Na\^{+}), and chlorine forms a -1 ion (Cl\^{-}).
Step 3: Use the charges to find the simplest ratio of ions that results in a neutral compound. Since both ions have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
Step 4: Write the chemical formula by placing the symbols of the elements side by side, using subscripts to indicate the number of atoms if more than one is needed. Here, since the ratio is 1:1, no subscripts are needed.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct chemical formula for sodium chloride is NaCl, representing one sodium ion and one chloride ion combined to form a neutral compound.