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

Because water molecules break the ionic bonds, allowing ions to move freely.

Question 2

Which of the following ions is most likely to form based on the octet rule and periodic trends?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{O}^{2-}$$

Question 3

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 4

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

Accepted Answer

Ionization energy increases because atoms hold electrons more tightly.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Ca_3$(PO_4$)_2}$$

Question 6

What is the correct name for the compound $$\mathrm{Fe_2O_3}$$?

Accepted Answer

Iron(III) oxide

Question 7

Which of the following statements about polyatomic ions is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Polyatomic ions are held together by covalent bonds and have an overall charge.

Question 8

A patient is given a solution containing $$\mathrm{Na_2SO_4}. $$Which ions are present in the solution after it dissolves in water?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Because the ions are held together by strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions.

Question 10

Which of the following formulas is correct for the compound formed between aluminum ions and sulfate ions?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Al_2$(SO_4$)_3}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct name for $$\mathrm{$$CuCl_2$$}$$ using the Stock system?

Accepted Answer

Copper(II) chloride

Question 12

Which of the following ions is formed when a nitrogen atom ($$Z=7) $$achieves a noble gas configuration?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{N$$^{3-}$$}$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between an acid and a base in aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

An acid provides $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions, while a base provides $$\mathrm{OH^-}$$ ions.

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct formula for barium hydroxide, a base that provides two hydroxide ions per formula unit?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Ba(OH)_2}$$

Question 15

Which of the following compounds is most likely to shatter when struck sharply, and why?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride, because its ions are held rigidly in place by ionic bonds.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct name for $$\mathrm{K_2SO_4}$$?

Accepted Answer

Potassium sulfate

Question 17

A solution contains $$\mathrm{Ca(NO_3$)_2}. $$How many nitrate ions are present for each calcium ion in the formula unit?

Accepted Answer

Two

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why noble gases do not form ions under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

They have high ionization energies and already have a stable octet of electrons.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct formula for the compound formed between ammonium ions and sulfate ions?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{(NH_4$)_2SO_4}$$

Ionic Compounds: Structure, Formation, and Properties

Study Guide - Practice Questions