Examine the following image representing the structure of a compound.
-If the larger sphere represented S^2-, the smaller sphere might represent which of the following?

Question

Examine the following image representing the structure of a compound. -If the larger sphere represented S^2-, the smaller sphere might represent which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The larger sphere, S^2-, represents a sulfate ion with a charge of -2. The smaller sphere represents a cation that balances out the charge of the sulfate ion. Option A includes a potassium cation, which has a charge of +1, so it cannot balance out the -2 charge of the sulfate ion. Option B includes an oxygen atom, which is not a cation. Option D includes an aluminum cation, which has a charge of +3, so it cannot balance out the -2 charge of the sulfate ion. Option C includes a magnesium cation, which has a charge of +2 and can balance out the -2 charge of the sulfate ion.

Examine the Following Image Representing the Structure of a Compound