Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why sodium chloride (NaCl) conducts electricity when dissolved in water, but not as a solid?

Accepted Answer

In solid NaCl, ions are fixed in place and cannot move, but in aqueous solution, ions are free to move and carry electric current.

Question 2

A magnesium atom (Z=12) forms an ion by losing electrons. What is the electron configuration of the resulting ion, and what is its charge?

Accepted Answer

Electron configuration: $$1s^2$$\ $$2s^2$$\ $$2p^6$$, Charge: $$+2$$

Question 3

Which of the following ions is most likely to form from a group 7A (halogen) element?

Accepted Answer

$$X^-$$

Question 4

According to the octet rule, what is the most likely charge on an ion formed by a group 6A element such as sulfur?

Accepted Answer

$$-2$$

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the process by which a chlorine atom becomes a chloride ion?

Accepted Answer

It gains one electron to achieve a noble gas configuration.

Question 6

Which of the following formulas represents a neutral ionic compound formed from calcium ions and nitrate ions?

Accepted Answer

$$Ca(NO_3$)_2$$

Question 7

What is the correct name for the compound $$Fe_2O_3$$?

Accepted Answer

Iron(III) oxide

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why ionic compounds generally have high melting points?

Accepted Answer

Strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions require a large amount of energy to break.

Question 9

Which of the following ions is a polyatomic ion?

Accepted Answer

$$NO_3$$^-$$

Question 10

A patient is given a solution of sodium sulfate ($$Na_2SO_4) $$intravenously. Which ions are present in the solution?

Accepted Answer

$$Na^+$$\ and\ $$SO_4$$^{2-}$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between a cation and an anion?

Accepted Answer

A cation is positively charged due to loss of electrons; an anion is negatively charged due to gain of electrons.

Question 12

Which of the following correctly predicts the charge of an ion formed by an element in group 5A?

Accepted Answer

$$-3$$

Question 13

Which of the following compounds is most likely to be soluble in water and conduct electricity as an aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

Potassium chloride ($$KCl)$$

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct formula for aluminum sulfate?

Accepted Answer

$$Al_2$$($$SO_4)_3$

Question 15

A solution contains $$Ba(OH)_2. $$How many hydroxide ions are released per formula unit when it dissolves in water?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the trend in ionization energy across a period in the periodic table?

Accepted Answer

Ionization energy increases from left to right across a period.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct name for $$CuSO_4$$?

Accepted Answer

Copper(II) sulfate

Question 18

A nitrogen atom (Z=7) forms an ion to achieve a noble gas configuration. What is the symbol for this ion?

Accepted Answer

$$N^{3-}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why transition metals can form more than one type of cation?

Accepted Answer

They can lose both valence s electrons and inner d electrons.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between aluminum ions and phosphate ions?

Accepted Answer

$$Al_2$$($$PO_4)_3$

Chapter 3: Ionic Compounds – Structure, Formation, and Properties

Study Guide - Practice Questions