Question

What is the formula for magnesium sulfate?
a) MgS
b) Mg₂S
c) MgSO₃
d) MgSO₄

Answer 1

The formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO4. It is formed by the combination of magnesium cations (Mg2+) and sulfate anions (SO42-) in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in the magnesium sulfate formula MgSO4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO4. It is an ionic compound composed of magnesium cations (Mg2+) and sulfate anions (SO42-). Here is a step-by-step explanation of how we determine the correct chemical formula:

• Magnesium has a valency of +2, represented by Mg2+.
• Sulfate is a polyatomic ion with a valency of -2, represented by SO42-.
• Since the charges on magnesium and sulfate ions are equal and opposite, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to form magnesium sulfate.
• Therefore, the correct chemical formula is MgSO4 which corresponds to option (d) in your list.