Question

A complex ion that forms in solution has a structure that:____.

a. can be determined simply by stoichiometry.
b. can be predicted on the basis of electrical charge.
c. can only be determined experimentally.
d. cannot be determined.

Answer 1

c. can only be determined experimentally

Step-by-step explanation:

It is not possible to know for certain the structure of a complex ion on the basis of stoichiometry or by the electrical charges on the components. The structure of the resulting complex ion can only be known by experiment.

Answer 2

can only be determined experimentally.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the early days of inorganic chemistry, the structure of complex ions remained a mystery hence the name ''complex''.

These ions appear to have structures that defied accurate elucidation. However, by diligent laboratory investigation, Alfred Werner was able to accurately determine the structure of cobalt complexes. As a result of this, he is regarded as a pathfinder in coordination chemistry.

Hence, the structure of complex ions can only be determined experimentally.