Final answer:
Option C: The correct chemical formula for magnesium sulfide is MgS, where the charges of magnesium and sulfur ions are balanced in the compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct chemical formula for magnesium sulfide is MgS. In this formula, magnesium (Mg) has a +2 charge and sulfur (S) has a -2 charge. When these ions combine to form an ionic compound, they do so in a ratio that balances the charges, resulting in a neutral compound. Hence, one Mg2+ ion combines with one S2- ion to form MgS, where the charges are balanced and there is no need for subscripts to indicate more than one atom of either element.
The correct chemical formula for magnesium sulfide is MgS.
The formula for magnesium sulfide can be determined from the combining of the cation of magnesium (Mg²⁺) and the anion of sulfide (S²⁻). Since both ions have a charge of 2, only one of each is needed to balance the charges, resulting in MgS.
It is important to note that the other options listed are not the correct chemical formula for magnesium sulfide. For example, Mg₃S₄ would represent a compound with three magnesium ions and four sulfide ions, which does not match the charge balance of the individual ions.