What Name Should Be Used For The Ionic Compound $Co_2(SO_4)_3$?A. Cobalt(III) Sulfide B. Cobalt(III) Sulfate C. Cobalt(III) Trisulfide D. Cobalt(III) Trisulfate

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What Name Should Be Used for the Ionic Compound Co2(SO4)3?

Understanding the Basics of Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when two or more elements with different charges combine to form a chemical bond. In the case of the compound Co2(SO4)3, we have cobalt (Co) and sulfate (SO4) ions. To determine the correct name for this compound, we need to understand the rules for naming ionic compounds.

The Rules for Naming Ionic Compounds

When naming ionic compounds, we need to follow a set of rules that help us identify the elements involved and their charges. Here are the key rules to keep in mind:

  • The name of the cation (positive ion) comes first, followed by the name of the anion (negative ion).
  • The name of the cation is usually the same as the name of the element, but with a few exceptions.
  • The name of the anion ends in -ide, unless it is a monatomic anion (a single atom that is negatively charged), in which case it ends in -ine.
  • If the anion has a charge other than -1, we need to indicate the charge in parentheses after the name of the anion.
  • If the cation has a charge other than +1, we need to indicate the charge in parentheses after the name of the cation.

Applying the Rules to Co2(SO4)3

Now that we understand the rules for naming ionic compounds, let's apply them to Co2(SO4)3. We know that cobalt (Co) is the cation and sulfate (SO4) is the anion. The sulfate ion has a charge of -2, so we need to indicate this in the name.

Option A: Cobalt(III) Sulfide

This option is incorrect because the sulfate ion has a charge of -2, not -1. Therefore, we cannot use the suffix -ide to indicate the anion.

Option B: Cobalt(III) Sulfate

This option is correct because it follows the rules for naming ionic compounds. The name of the cation is cobalt, and the name of the anion is sulfate, with the charge indicated in parentheses.

Option C: Cobalt(III) Trisulfide

This option is incorrect because the sulfate ion has a charge of -2, not -1. Therefore, we cannot use the suffix -ide to indicate the anion. Additionally, the prefix "tri-" is not necessary in this case, as the charge of the anion is already indicated.

Option D: Cobalt(III) Trisulfate

This option is incorrect because the sulfate ion has a charge of -2, not -1. Therefore, we cannot use the suffix -ide to indicate the anion. Additionally, the prefix "tri-" is not necessary in this case, as the charge of the anion is already indicated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct name for the ionic compound Co2(SO4)3 is cobalt(III) sulfate. This name follows the rules for naming ionic compounds and accurately indicates the elements involved and their charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Ionic compounds are formed when two or more elements with different charges combine to form a chemical bond.
  • The name of the cation comes first, followed by the name of the anion.
  • The name of the anion ends in -ide, unless it is a monatomic anion, in which case it ends in -ine.
  • If the anion has a charge other than -1, we need to indicate the charge in parentheses after the name of the anion.
  • If the cation has a charge other than +1, we need to indicate the charge in parentheses after the name of the cation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to indicate the charge of the anion in parentheses.
  • Using the suffix -ide to indicate an anion with a charge other than -1.
  • Using the prefix "tri-" unnecessarily.

Real-World Applications

Understanding the rules for naming ionic compounds is essential in chemistry and other fields that involve the study of chemical compounds. By applying these rules, we can accurately identify the elements involved in a compound and their charges, which is crucial in a variety of applications, including:

  • Chemical synthesis
  • Chemical analysis
  • Materials science
  • Environmental science

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct name for the ionic compound Co2(SO4)3 is cobalt(III) sulfate. By understanding the rules for naming ionic compounds and applying them correctly, we can accurately identify the elements involved in a compound and their charges, which is essential in a variety of applications.
Q&A: Ionic Compounds and Naming Conventions

Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we will address some of the most common questions related to ionic compounds and naming conventions.

Q: What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A: A cation is a positively charged ion, while an anion is a negatively charged ion. Cations are typically formed when a metal atom loses one or more electrons, while anions are typically formed when a nonmetal atom gains one or more electrons.

Q: How do I determine the charge of a cation or anion?

A: To determine the charge of a cation or anion, you need to look at the periodic table and identify the element. The charge of a cation is typically indicated by the number of electrons it has lost, while the charge of an anion is typically indicated by the number of electrons it has gained.

Q: What is the difference between a monatomic anion and a polyatomic anion?

A: A monatomic anion is a single atom that is negatively charged, while a polyatomic anion is a group of atoms that are negatively charged. Examples of monatomic anions include chloride (Cl-) and bromide (Br-), while examples of polyatomic anions include sulfate (SO42-) and phosphate (PO43-).

Q: How do I indicate the charge of an anion in the name of a compound?

A: To indicate the charge of an anion in the name of a compound, you need to use parentheses and include the charge in Roman numerals. For example, the compound sodium sulfate would be named sodium sulfate, but the compound sodium sulfite would be named sodium sulfite (VI).

Q: What is the difference between a cation with a +1 charge and a cation with a +2 charge?

A: A cation with a +1 charge is typically named by using the element's name, while a cation with a +2 charge is typically named by using the element's name with the Roman numeral II in parentheses. For example, the compound sodium chloride would be named sodium chloride, but the compound calcium chloride would be named calcium chloride (II).

Q: How do I determine the correct name for a compound with a polyatomic anion?

A: To determine the correct name for a compound with a polyatomic anion, you need to look at the name of the anion and determine its charge. You then need to use the name of the anion and include the charge in parentheses. For example, the compound sodium sulfate would be named sodium sulfate, but the compound calcium sulfate would be named calcium sulfate (II).

Q: What is the difference between a compound with a monatomic anion and a compound with a polyatomic anion?

A: A compound with a monatomic anion is typically named by using the name of the anion, while a compound with a polyatomic anion is typically named by using the name of the anion and including the charge in parentheses. For example, the compound sodium chloride would be named sodium chloride, but the compound sodium sulfate would be named sodium sulfate.

Q: How do I determine the correct name for a compound with a cation and an anion with a variable charge?

A: To determine the correct name for a compound with a cation and an anion with a variable charge, you need to look at the name of the anion and determine its charge. You then need to use the name of the anion and include the charge in parentheses. For example, the compound sodium sulfite would be named sodium sulfite (VI), but the compound sodium sulfide would be named sodium sulfide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the rules for naming ionic compounds is essential in chemistry and other fields that involve the study of chemical compounds. By applying these rules, we can accurately identify the elements involved in a compound and their charges, which is crucial in a variety of applications.