Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound Al_2O_3?
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the correct name for the compound NiSO4?
A
Nickel(IV) sulfate
B
Nickel(III) sulfate
C
Nickel(II) sulfate
D
Nickel(I) sulfate
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the cation and anion in the compound NiSO4. Here, Ni is the cation (nickel) and SO4 is the anion (sulfate).
Determine the charge on the sulfate ion, SO4, which is a polyatomic ion with a charge of -2.
Since the compound is neutral overall, the charge on the nickel cation must balance the -2 charge from the sulfate ion. Therefore, the nickel ion must have a charge of +2.
Use the Roman numeral in parentheses to indicate the oxidation state of the metal cation. Since nickel has a +2 charge here, the correct name includes Nickel(II).
Combine the cation name with its oxidation state and the anion name to form the full name: Nickel(II) sulfate.
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