Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about naming molecular compounds is correct?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Molecular Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for phosphorus trichloride?
A
PCl5
B
PCl3
C
P2Cl3
D
P3Cl
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the name of the compound: 'phosphorus trichloride' indicates it is a compound made of phosphorus and chlorine atoms.
Identify the prefixes: 'tri-' means 3, so 'trichloride' means there are 3 chlorine atoms bonded to phosphorus.
Write the chemical symbol for phosphorus, which is 'P', and for chlorine, which is 'Cl'.
Combine the symbols with the correct number of atoms indicated by the prefix: one phosphorus atom and three chlorine atoms gives the formula \(PCl_3\).
Verify that the formula matches the name by checking the number of atoms: phosphorus (1) and chlorine (3) correspond to phosphorus trichloride.
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