Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound (NH4)3PO4?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the correct name for the ionic compound Na2SO4?
A
Sodium sulfur oxide
B
Disodium sulfate
C
Sodium sulfite
D
Sodium sulfate
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the cation and anion in the compound Na2SO4. The cation is Na⁺ (sodium ion) and the anion is SO₄²⁻ (sulfate ion).
Recognize that Na⁺ is a monovalent cation (charge +1) and SO₄²⁻ is a polyatomic anion with a charge of -2.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges. Since each sulfate ion has a charge of -2, two sodium ions (each +1) are needed to balance one sulfate ion, giving the formula Na₂SO₄.
Use the standard naming convention for ionic compounds: name the cation first (sodium) followed by the name of the anion (sulfate).
Confirm that the correct name is 'sodium sulfate' because the compound contains sodium ions and sulfate ions in the ratio that balances their charges.
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