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The correct name for CuO is

A: copper oxide.
B: monocopper oxide.
C: copper(I) oxide.
D: copper(II) oxide.

User Ssander
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct name for CuO is copper(II) oxide, reflecting the +2 oxidation state of the copper in this compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct name for CuO is D: copper(II) oxide. This is because the compound CuO is made up of copper and oxygen in a 1:1 ratio. Copper in this compound has an oxidation state of +2, as each oxygen atom has a charge of -2 (O2-), which is balanced by a copper ion with a +2 charge (Cu2+). This information can be deduced from other similar compounds, like iron(II) oxide (FeO) where iron has a +2 charge, and copper(I) oxide, which has copper with a +1 charge (Cu2O). Thus, to reflect the oxidation state of copper in CuO, it is appropriately named copper(II) oxide.

User Burntsugar
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