Question

what is the correct formula for the ionic compound that would result from the combination of sodium and sulfur? nas nas₂ na₂s₂ na₂s

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charges of ions

Sodium (\(Na\)) has a charge of \(+1\) (\(Na^{+}\)), sulfur (\(S\)) has a charge of \(- 2\) (\(S^{2 -}\)).

Step2: Balance the charges

To balance the charges, we need \(2\) \(Na^{+}\) ions for every \(1\) \(S^{2 -}\) ion. Using the criss - cross method (the magnitude of the charge of one ion becomes the subscript of the other ion), we get the formula \(Na_{2}S\).

Answer:

\(Na_{2}S\) (the fourth option in the given choices)