Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes a compound such as magnesium oxide?
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5. Molecules and Compounds
Naming Ionic Compounds
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What is the IUPAC name for the ionic compound ?
A
Zinc oxide
B
Zinc monoxide
C
Zinc(I) oxide
D
Zinc peroxide
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements present in the compound. Here, the compound consists of zinc (Zn) and oxygen (O).
Determine the type of compound. Since zinc is a metal and oxygen is a nonmetal, this is an ionic compound.
Recall the charges of the ions involved. Zinc typically forms a +2 charge (Zn^{2+}), and oxygen typically forms a -2 charge as the oxide ion (O^{2-}).
Combine the ions in a ratio that results in a neutral compound. Since Zn^{2+} and O^{2-} have charges that balance one-to-one, the formula ZnO is neutral.
Name the compound using IUPAC conventions for ionic compounds: name the metal first (zinc), followed by the nonmetal with its ending changed to '-ide' (oxide), resulting in 'zinc oxide'.
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