Multiple Choice
When naming ionic compounds, how does the name of a negative ion (anion) typically change?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between barium and nitrogen?
A
BaN2
B
BaN
C
Ba2N3
D
Ba3N2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by barium and nitrogen. Barium is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2, so it forms a $\text{Ba}^{2+}$ ion. Nitrogen is a nonmetal in Group 15, so it forms a $\text{N}^{3-}$ ion.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral. The total positive charge must equal the total negative charge.
Set up the charge balance equation: if there are $x$ barium ions and $y$ nitrogen ions, then $2x = 3y$ because $\text{Ba}^{2+}$ has a +2 charge and $\text{N}^{3-}$ has a -3 charge.
Find the smallest whole number ratio of $x$ to $y$ that satisfies $2x = 3y$. This ratio is $x = 3$ and $y = 2$, meaning 3 barium ions combine with 2 nitrogen ions.
Write the formula using the ratio found: $\text{Ba}_3\text{N}_2$. This is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between barium and nitrogen.
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