Question Detail
Question
Which of the following is the correct formula for a compound formed from Al3+ and SO42-?
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
To balance charges, the total positive charge must equal total negative charge. Al3+ has a charge of +3, and SO42- has a charge of -2. The least common multiple is 6, requiring 2 Al3+ ions (+6) and 3 SO42- ions (-6). The formula is Al2(SO4)3.
Hint
The subscript on one ion becomes the charge on the other ion after simplifying to the smallest whole numbers.