Multiple Choice
In an ionic compound formula, which element is written first?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Ionic Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?
A
NaH
B
NaOH
C
NaO
D
Na_2O
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that sodium hydroxide is a compound made of sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms.
Recall that hydroxide is a polyatomic ion with the formula OH⁻, which consists of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom bonded together.
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.
Write the chemical formula by combining one sodium ion (Na⁺) with one hydroxide ion (OH⁻), resulting in NaOH.
Verify that the formula NaOH represents sodium hydroxide correctly, as it contains sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen in the proper ratio.
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