Multiple Choice
Which statement best explains the symbol NaCl?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lead(II) sulfide?
A
PbS2
B
Pb2S
C
PbSO4
D
PbS
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in lead(II) sulfide. Lead(II) indicates the lead ion has a charge of +2, written as Pb^{2+}. Sulfide is the sulfide ion with a charge of -2, written as S^{2-}.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges so the compound is electrically neutral. Since Pb^{2+} has a +2 charge and S^{2-} has a -2 charge, one Pb^{2+} ion will balance with one S^{2-} ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions in the ratio that balances the charges. Since the charges are equal and opposite, the formula is PbS.
Check the other options: PbS2 would imply one Pb^{2+} ion with two S^{2-} ions, which would give a net charge of -2, so it is incorrect. Pb2S would imply two Pb^{2+} ions (+4 total) with one S^{2-} ion (-2), which is not neutral. PbSO4 is lead(II) sulfate, not sulfide, so it is a different compound.
Conclude that the correct chemical formula for lead(II) sulfide is PbS.
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