Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for manganese(II) oxide?

• A. Mn2O3
• B. MnO
• C. Mn3O4
• D. MnO2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the oxidation state of manganese in manganese(II) oxide. The Roman numeral II indicates that manganese has a +2 charge (Mn^{2+}).
2. Determine the charge of the oxide ion. Oxygen typically forms an oxide ion with a -2 charge (O^{2-}).
3. To write the correct formula, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
4. Since Mn^{2+} and O^{2-} have charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Therefore, the correct chemical formula for manganese(II) oxide is MnO.