Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?

• A. NaH
• B. NaOH
• C. NaO
• D. Na_2O

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that sodium hydroxide is a compound made of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) atoms.
2. Recall that hydroxide is a polyatomic ion with the formula OH⁻, which consists of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom bonded together.
3. Since sodium (Na) typically forms a +1 cation and hydroxide (OH⁻) is a -1 anion, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral compound.
4. Write the chemical formula by combining Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions, resulting in NaOH.
5. Verify that the formula NaOH represents one sodium atom, one oxygen atom, and one hydrogen atom, which matches the composition of sodium hydroxide.