Question

Write the empirical formula of the compound formed by

a) Al(3⁺) and Cl(⁻) ions
b) Al(3⁺) and O(2⁻) ions
c) Mg(2⁺) and NO₃(⁻)

Answer 1

The empirical formula for AlCl3, Al2O3, and Mg(NO3)2

Step-by-step explanation:

The empirical formula of an ionic compound is determined by the ratio of the ions involved. Here are the empirical formulas for the given compounds:

a) Al(3+) and Cl(-) ions: The ratio of Al(3+) to Cl(-) ions is 1:3, so the empirical formula is AlCl3.

b) Al(3+) and O(2-) ions: The ratio of Al(3+) to O(2-) ions is 2:3, so the empirical formula is Al2O3.

c) Mg(2+) and NO3(-) ions: The ratio of Mg(2+) to NO3(-) ions is 1:1, so the empirical formula is Mg(NO3)2.