Question

What is the total number of ions (number of cation plus number of anions) in the compound Mg(OH)₂?

Answer 1

The total number of ions in Mg(OH)₂ is 3.

Explanation

In magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), magnesium (Mg) is a cation with a charge of +2, while hydroxide (OH) is an anion with a charge of -1. There are two hydroxide ions bonded to each magnesium ion. Hence, for every magnesium ion (cation), there are two hydroxide ions (anions).

Therefore, in Mg(OH)₂, there are two hydroxide ions multiplied by two (as there are two of them) for a total of four hydroxide ions. Considering the magnesium ion, which is one, and the four hydroxide ions, we sum them together, resulting in a total of five ions (1 magnesium ion + 4 hydroxide ions).

However, it's crucial to note that the formula represents a compound unit, so the net charge must balance. Therefore, to achieve a neutral charge, one magnesium ion (+2) cancels out two hydroxide ions (-1 each), leaving one unpaired hydroxide ion. Hence, the final count of ions in Mg(OH)₂ is three: one magnesium ion and two hydroxide ions, forming a neutrally charged compound.

Answer 2

The compound Mg(OH)2 consists of one Mg2+ ion and two OH- ions, giving a total of three ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compound Mg(OH)₂ consists of one Mg²⁺ ion and two OH⁻ ions. To calculate the total number of ions, we add the number of cationic and anionic charges. Magnesium (Mg²⁺) provides one cation, and the hydroxide (OH⁻) provides two anions, resulting in a total of three ions within the compound Mg(OH)₂.