Multiple Choice
Which salt is formed when aqueous NH4OH reacts with HNO3?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which statement best explains the symbol NaCl?
A
It is the chemical formula for a covalent compound formed by sodium and chlorine.
B
It indicates a molecule containing one atom of sodium and one atom of chlorine bonded by sharing electrons.
C
It is the empirical formula for a polyatomic ion containing sodium and chlorine.
D
It represents an ionic compound composed of sodium and chlorine ions.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that NaCl is a chemical formula representing a compound composed of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
Recall that sodium is a metal and chlorine is a nonmetal, which typically form ionic bonds rather than covalent bonds.
Recognize that in ionic compounds, atoms transfer electrons to form ions: sodium loses one electron to become Na⁺, and chlorine gains one electron to become Cl⁻.
Note that NaCl represents the simplest ratio of these ions in the compound, which is why it is called the empirical formula.
Conclude that NaCl is best described as an ionic compound composed of sodium and chlorine ions, rather than a covalent molecule or a polyatomic ion.
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