Ions Quick Check

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Question
Write the chemical formula of the ionic compound magnesium chlorate. The magnesium (Mg) ion has a +2 charge. Chlorate (ClO3) has a −1 charge.(1 point)
Responses

Mg(ClO3)
m g open paren c l o sub 3 close paren

Mg2(ClO3)
Mg sub 2 open paren ClO sub 3 close paren

Mg(ClO3)2
Mg open paren C l O sub 3 close paren sub 2

Mg2(ClO4)

1 answer

The correct chemical formula for the ionic compound magnesium chlorate, considering that magnesium has a +2 charge and chlorate (ClO3) has a -1 charge, is:

Mg(ClO3)2

This is because you need two chlorate ions to balance the +2 charge from one magnesium ion.