Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a typical property of ionic compounds?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound sodium sulfate?
A
NaSO4
B
NaSO3
C
Na2SO3
D
Na2SO4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in the compound: sodium (Na) and sulfate (SO4). Sodium typically forms a +1 charge ion (Na\(\u\)207A), and sulfate is a polyatomic ion with a -2 charge (SO\(\u\)2084\(\u\)207B\(\u\)2082).
Determine the charges of each ion: Na\(\u\)207A has a +1 charge, and SO\(\u\)2084\(\u\)207B\(\u\)2082 has a -2 charge.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to make the compound electrically neutral. Since sulfate has a -2 charge, you need two sodium ions (each +1) to balance one sulfate ion (-2).
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: two sodium ions and one sulfate ion gives Na\(\u\)2082SO\(\u\)2084.
Confirm that the formula Na\(\u\)2082SO\(\u\)2084 represents a neutral ionic compound with balanced charges, which is the correct formula for sodium sulfate.
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