What is the correct name for the compound N_2O_5?

• A. Nitrogen pentoxide
• B. Nitrogen dioxide
• C. Dinitrogen dioxide
• D. Dinitrogen pentoxide

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the compound N_2O_5: nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element: 2 nitrogen atoms and 5 oxygen atoms.
3. Use the appropriate prefixes to indicate the number of atoms: 'di-' for 2 and 'penta-' for 5.
4. Name the first element (nitrogen) with its prefix: 'dinitrogen'.
5. Name the second element (oxygen) with its prefix and change the ending to '-ide': 'pentoxide'. Combine to get 'dinitrogen pentoxide'.