Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound formed from K^+ and CrO_4^{2-} ions?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the correct name for the ionic compound Al_2O_3?
A
Aluminum dioxide
B
Aluminum(III) oxide
C
Aluminum oxide
D
Dialuminum trioxide
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the ions present in the compound Al_2O_3. Aluminum (Al) forms a cation with a charge of +3, written as Al^{3+}, and oxygen (O) forms an anion with a charge of -2, written as O^{2-}.
Determine the ratio of aluminum ions to oxide ions needed to balance the charges so the compound is electrically neutral. Since Al^{3+} and O^{2-} combine, find the smallest whole number ratio where total positive charge equals total negative charge.
Recognize that 2 aluminum ions (2 × +3 = +6) and 3 oxide ions (3 × -2 = -6) balance the charges, giving the formula Al_2O_3.
Name the compound by stating the metal first (aluminum) followed by the nonmetal with its ending changed to '-ide' (oxide). Since aluminum forms only one common oxidation state (+3), no Roman numeral is needed.
Conclude that the correct name for Al_2O_3 is 'aluminum oxide', not 'aluminum dioxide', 'aluminum(III) oxide', or 'dialuminum trioxide'.
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