Question detail
What is the empirical formula of sodium chloride?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
Question
- A. NaCl
- B. Na2Cl2
- C. NaCl2
- D. Na3Cl
Answer
The correct option is NaCl. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to work out the empirical formula of an ionic compound from a model or diagram of its ions in the subtopic Ionic compounds.
Explanation
The correct option is NaCl. NaCl is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to work out the empirical formula of an ionic compound from a model or diagram of its ions. This belongs to the subtopic Ionic compounds within Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Ionic compounds.
Common mistake
Confusing Empirical and Molecular Formulas
Students often confuse the empirical formula with the molecular formula of an ionic compound, thinking they are the same.
To fix this, remember that the empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in the compound, while the molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in a molecule. Practice identifying both types using models or diagrams.
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