Question

what is the formula for vanadium(iii) oxide? options: v₃o, v₂o₃, vo, vo₃

Explanation:

Step1: Determine ion charges

Vanadium(III) has a charge of \( V^{3+} \), and oxide is \( O^{2-} \).

Step2: Apply criss - cross method

To balance charges, the number of \( V^{3+} \) ions times 3 and \( O^{2-} \) ions times 2 should be equal (to make the overall charge zero). So, the subscripts are determined by swapping the absolute values of the charges. The charge of V is 3, so the subscript for O is 3; the charge of O is 2, so the subscript for V is 2.

Step3: Write the formula

Using the subscripts, the formula for vanadium(III) oxide is \( V_2O_3 \).

Answer:

B. \( V_2O_3 \) (assuming the options are labeled as A. \( V_3O \), B. \( V_2O_3 \), C. \( VO \), D. \( VO_3 \))