What is the formula of magnesium nitrate and show the steps involved
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The formula for magnesium nitrate is Mg(NO₃)₂. Below are the steps involved in determining this formula:
1. Identify the ions involved:
- Magnesium (Mg) is a metal that forms a cation (positively charged ion) with a charge of +2 (Mg²⁺).
- Nitrate (NO₃) is a polyatomic ion with a -1 charge (NO₃⁻).
2. Determine the balance of charges:
- In order for the compound to be electrically neutral, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- Magnesium has a +2 charge, and nitrate has a -1 charge. Therefore, you need two nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) to balance the +2 charge of one magnesium ion (Mg²⁺).
3. Write the empirical formula:
- Since one magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pairs with two nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) to neutralize the charge, the formula of magnesium nitrate is Mg(NO₃)₂.
4. Conclusion:
- The formula for magnesium nitrate is Mg(NO₃)₂, which consists of one magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) and two nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).
Explanation:
Magnesium nitrate is an ionic compound that forms when magnesium combines with nitrate ions. Magnesium, being a Group 2 metal, always forms a +2 cation (Mg²⁺), while nitrate, a polyatomic ion, carries a -1 charge (NO₃⁻). To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance out. Since magnesium’s +2 charge is balanced by two nitrate ions (each with a -1 charge), the simplest formula reflects this ratio: Mg(NO₃)₂.
The compound is used in a variety of applications, such as fertilizers, explosives, and pyrotechnics, due to its high solubility in water and its ability to provide both magnesium and nitrogen in nitrate form. In solution, magnesium nitrate dissociates into Mg²⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions, which are involved in various chemical reactions. This ionic nature is crucial for understanding the behavior of magnesium nitrate in different chemical environments.