Multiple Choice
Which two properties are characteristic of ionic compounds?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lithium phosphide?
A
Li2P
B
Li3P
C
LiP3
D
LiP
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the ions involved. Lithium (Li) typically forms a +1 cation (Li\^{+}), and phosphide is the anion formed by phosphorus with a charge of -3 (P\^{3-}).
Step 2: Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge. Since lithium has a +1 charge and phosphide has a -3 charge, you need enough lithium ions to balance one phosphide ion.
Step 3: Use the crisscross method to balance charges. The charge magnitude of the phosphide ion (3) becomes the subscript for lithium, and the charge magnitude of lithium (1) becomes the subscript for phosphorus.
Step 4: Write the chemical formula using the subscripts found. This gives Li\_{3}P, indicating three lithium ions for every one phosphide ion.
Step 5: Confirm that the total positive and negative charges balance out to zero, ensuring the compound is electrically neutral.
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