Question

an ionic compound is named magnesium selenite. complete the table to determine the number of ions of each type in one formula unit of the compound. enter a negative sign before negative numbers. positive numbers do not need a positive sign.
ion\tcharge of one ion\ttotal charge of ion(s) in compound\tnumber of ion(s) in compound
magnesium\tyellow box\tyellow box\tyellow box
selenite\tyellow box\tyellow box\tyellow box
*in one formula unit
what is the formula for the ionic compound?
yellow dropdown yellow dropdown

Explanation:

Step1: Determine Magnesium Ion Charge

Magnesium (Mg) is in group 2, so its ion charge is $+2$.

Step2: Determine Selenite Ion Charge

Selenite is $\ce{SeO_3^{2-}}$, so charge is $-2$.

Step3: Balance Charges for Formula Unit

To balance $+2$ (Mg) and $-2$ (selenite), we need 1 Mg²⁺ and 1 $\ce{SeO_3^{2-}}$.

• Magnesium: Charge of one ion = $+2$, Total charge = $+2$ (1 ion), Number of ions = 1.
• Selenite: Charge of one ion = $-2$, Total charge = $-2$ (1 ion), Number of ions = 1.

Step4: Write the Formula

The formula is $\ce{MgSeO_3}$.

Answer:

Table Completion:

Ion	Charge of One Ion	Total Charge of Ion(s) in Compound	Number of Ion(s) in Compound
Selenite	$-2$	$-2$	1

Formula: $\ce{MgSeO_3}$