Multiple Choice
Which of the following chemical formulas represents sodium sulfate?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the chemical formula for the compound formed between tin(IV) ions and chloride ions?
A
Sn4Cl
B
Sn2Cl4
C
SnCl2
D
SnCl4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charge on the tin ion given by the Roman numeral IV, which means the tin ion is Sn with a +4 charge, written as $\mathrm{Sn^{4+}}$.
Recognize that the chloride ion has a charge of -1, written as $\mathrm{Cl^-}$.
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Since tin has a +4 charge, you need four chloride ions, each with a -1 charge, to balance it.
Write the chemical formula by combining one $\mathrm{Sn^{4+}}$ ion with four $\mathrm{Cl^-}$ ions, resulting in $\mathrm{SnCl_4}$.
Confirm that the formula $\mathrm{SnCl_4}$ is electrically neutral because the total positive charge (+4) equals the total negative charge (4 × -1 = -4).
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