Choose the answer which gives the correct name of the compound whose formula is given. a) The correct name of Hg2S is mercury(I) sulfide. b) The correct name of (NH4)2SO4 is ammonium sulfate. c) The correct name of Cu(C2H3O2)2 is copper(II) acetate. d) The correct name of Li2O is lithium oxide. e) The correct name of Ag2S is silver sulfide.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is a) The correct name of Hg2S is mercury(I) sulfide.
Explanation:
- Hg2S (Mercury(I) Sulfide):
- Mercury exists in two common oxidation states: +1 (mercury(I)) and +2 (mercury(II)).
- In Hg2S, mercury is in the +1 oxidation state because the formula Hg2S indicates two mercury atoms combined with one sulfur atom. For the compound to be neutral, each mercury must have a charge of +1.
- Hence, the name is mercury(I) sulfide.
- (NH4)2SO4 (Ammonium Sulfate):
- This compound is made of the ammonium ion (NH4+) and the sulfate ion (SO4^2-).
- There are two ammonium ions (NH4+) to balance the charge of the sulfate ion (SO4^2-), making the overall compound neutral.
- Therefore, the name is ammonium sulfate, and option b is correct.
- Cu(C2H3O2)2 (Copper(II) Acetate):
- This compound contains copper and acetate ions. The acetate ion is C2H3O2^-.
- Copper can exist in multiple oxidation states, but here it is in the +2 oxidation state because the formula shows two acetate ions (each with a charge of -1) to balance the charge of copper.
- Therefore, the name is copper(II) acetate, and option c is also correct.
- Li2O (Lithium Oxide):
- Lithium is in the +1 oxidation state in this compound, and oxygen is in the -2 oxidation state.
- The formula Li2O shows two lithium ions to balance the charge of one oxygen ion.
- Therefore, the name is lithium oxide, and option d is correct.
- Ag2S (Silver Sulfide):
- Silver typically has a +1 oxidation state in compounds, and sulfur has a -2 oxidation state.
- The formula Ag2S shows two silver ions to balance the charge of one sulfur ion.
- Hence, the name is silver sulfide, and option e is correct.
In summary, while all options are correct, a) mercury(I) sulfide is the direct answer to your question.
