Multiple Choice
Which of the following pairs of formulas represents one ionic compound and one molecular compound?
1
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following chemical formulas represents sodium sulfate?
A
NaSO4
B
Na2SO3
C
Na2SO4
D
NaSO3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved in sodium sulfate. Sodium (Na) typically forms a +1 charge ion (Na\^+), and sulfate (SO\_4) is a polyatomic ion with a -2 charge (SO\_4\^{2-}).
To write the correct formula for sodium sulfate, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
Since sodium has a +1 charge and sulfate has a -2 charge, you need two sodium ions to balance one sulfate ion, resulting in the formula Na\_2SO\_4.
Check the other options: NaSO\_4 has only one sodium ion, which does not balance the -2 charge of sulfate; Na\_2SO\_3 contains sulfite (SO\_3\^{2-}), not sulfate; NaSO\_3 also contains sulfite and an incorrect sodium count.
Therefore, the correct formula representing sodium sulfate is Na\_2SO\_4.
2:11mWatch next
Master Ionic Compounds Naming with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Naming Ionic Compounds practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations