Multiple Choice
Which is the correct chemical formula for the ionic compound formed from aluminum (Al) and selenium (Se) atoms?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for barium nitrate?
A
Ba2NO3
B
BaNO3
C
Ba2(NO3)
D
Ba(NO3)2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions involved: Barium is a metal from Group 2 and forms a cation with a charge of +2, written as $\mathrm{Ba^{2+}}$.
Nitrate is a polyatomic ion with the formula $\mathrm{NO_3^-}$ and carries a charge of -1.
To write the correct formula for barium nitrate, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
Since barium has a +2 charge and nitrate has a -1 charge, you need two nitrate ions to balance one barium ion, resulting in the formula $\mathrm{Ba(NO_3)_2}$.
Use parentheses around the polyatomic ion $\mathrm{NO_3}$ when more than one is present to indicate that the subscript applies to the entire ion.
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