Question

select the correct answer.
what is the chemical formula for the compound magnesium perchlorate? use the list of polyatomic ions and the periodic table to help you answer.
a. mgclo
b. mgclo₄
c. mg₂clo
d. mg(clo₄)₂

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charge of magnesium ion

Magnesium (\(Mg\)) is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it forms \(Mg^{2+}\) ion.

Step2: Determine the charge of perchlorate ion

Perchlorate ion is \(ClO_{4}^{-}\) with a charge of \(- 1\).

Step3: Use charge balance to write the formula

For a neutral compound, the sum of positive and negative charges must be zero. Let the formula be \(Mg_{x}(ClO_{4})_{y}\). Using \(2x+(-1)y = 0\), when \(x = 1\), \(y=2\). So the formula is \(Mg(ClO_{4})_{2}\).

Answer:

D. \(Mg(ClO_{4})_{2}\)