Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for barium chlorate?

• A. BaClO_3
• B. BaCl_2
• C. Ba(ClO_3)_2
• D. Ba(ClO)_2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions involved: Barium typically forms a cation with a charge of +2, written as \(\mathrm{Ba^{2+}}\), and chlorate is a polyatomic anion with the formula \(\mathrm{ClO_3^-}\) and a charge of -1.
2. Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges so that the overall compound is electrically neutral. Since barium has a +2 charge and chlorate has a -1 charge, two chlorate ions are needed to balance one barium ion.
3. Write the formula by placing the barium ion first, followed by the chlorate ion in parentheses with a subscript of 2 to indicate two chlorate ions: \(\mathrm{Ba(ClO_3)_2}\).
4. Verify that the total positive and negative charges balance: \(+2\) from barium and \$2 \times (-1) = -2$ from chlorate, resulting in a neutral compound.
5. Conclude that the correct chemical formula for barium chlorate is \(\mathrm{Ba(ClO_3)_2}\), which reflects the proper charge balance and composition.