What is the formula of nickel (II) acetate?
Answer (2)
Nickel (II) has a +2 charge: N i 2 + .
Acetate has a -1 charge: C 2 H 3 O 2 − .
Balance the charges: N i 2 + requires two C 2 H 3 O 2 − ions.
The formula for nickel (II) acetate is N i ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We want to determine the chemical formula of nickel (II) acetate. Nickel (II) indicates that the nickel ion has a +2 charge ( N i 2 + ). Acetate is a polyatomic ion with the formula C 2 H 3 O 2 − and a -1 charge.
Balancing the Charges To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance. Since nickel has a +2 charge and acetate has a -1 charge, we need two acetate ions to balance the charge of one nickel ion.
Determining the Formula Therefore, the chemical formula of nickel (II) acetate is N i ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 .
Examples
In chemistry, understanding the formulas of compounds like nickel (II) acetate is crucial for predicting how they will react with other substances. For example, if you're designing a battery, knowing the exact composition of the electrolyte, such as nickel (II) acetate, helps you calculate the battery's voltage and capacity. Similarly, in environmental science, understanding the chemical formula of pollutants like nickel (II) acetate allows scientists to develop effective strategies for removing them from contaminated water or soil. The correct formula ensures accurate calculations and predictions in these real-world applications.
The formula for nickel (II) acetate is Ni(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 . This is derived from the nickel (II) ion which has a +2 charge and the acetate ion which has a -1 charge, necessitating two acetate ions to balance the charge. Therefore, the compound is formed from one nickel ion and two acetate ions.
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