What is the formula for nickel(III) oxide? Express your answer as a chemical formula. Ni + 3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Formula for Nickel(III) Oxide
The correct chemical formula for nickel(III) oxide is Ni₂O₃.
Explanation
Nickel(III) oxide is a chemical compound composed of nickel in its +3 oxidation state and oxygen. Let’s break down the derivation of the formula:
- Oxidation States of Nickel and Oxygen
- Nickel (Ni) can exhibit multiple oxidation states, including +2 and +3. In nickel(III) oxide, nickel is in the +3 oxidation state.
- Oxygen (O) typically has a −2 oxidation state in most of its compounds.
- Determining the Chemical Formula
- To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- Nickel(III) has a charge of +3 (Ni³⁺).
- Oxygen has a charge of −2 (O²⁻).
- To balance the charges, we need two Ni³⁺ ions to balance the charge of three O²⁻ ions.
- Charge Balance Calculation
- 2 Ni³⁺ ions contribute a total charge of 2 × (+3) = +6.
- 3 O²⁻ ions contribute a total charge of 3 × (−2) = −6.
- The sum of charges: (+6) + (−6) = 0, meaning the compound is neutral.
- Final Formula
- The empirical formula is Ni₂O₃, meaning each molecule consists of two nickel (Ni) atoms and three oxygen (O) atoms.
Nickel(III) oxide is relatively rare compared to nickel(II) oxide (NiO), which is more stable. It has applications in catalysis, ceramics, and as an intermediate in nickel-based compounds.
Now, let’s generate an image of nickel(III) oxide (Ni₂O₃) molecular structure.
Here is the molecular representation of Nickel(III) Oxide (Ni₂O₃), showing the arrangement of nickel and oxygen atoms in a stable oxide structure. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!
