Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for nickel(II) fluoride?

• A. Ni2F2
• B. Ni2F
• C. NiF
• D. NiF2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charge on the nickel ion in nickel(II) fluoride. The (II) indicates that nickel has a +2 charge, so the ion is Ni^{2+}.
2. Determine the charge on the fluoride ion. Fluoride is the ion form of fluorine and has a charge of -1, so the ion is F^{-}.
3. To write the correct chemical formula, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
4. Since Ni^{2+} has a +2 charge and F^{-} has a -1 charge, you need two fluoride ions to balance one nickel ion, resulting in the formula NiF_2.
5. Verify that the formula NiF_2 has a net charge of zero: (+2) + 2(-1) = 0, confirming it is the correct formula for nickel(II) fluoride.