What is the formula of magnesium hydrogen carbonate?
A. $MgClO _3$
B. $Mn ( HCO _3)_2$
C. $MgCO _3$
D. $Mg ( HCO _3)_2$
Answer (1)
Identify the ions: Magnesium ( M g 2 + ) and hydrogen carbonate ( H C O 3 − ).
Balance the charges: One M g 2 + requires two H C O 3 − ions.
Write the formula: M g ( H C O 3 ) 2 .
The formula for magnesium hydrogen carbonate is M g ( H C O 3 ) 2 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are asked to identify the chemical formula for magnesium hydrogen carbonate from a list of options.
Identifying Ions and Charges Magnesium hydrogen carbonate is an ionic compound composed of magnesium ions and hydrogen carbonate ions. Magnesium has a charge of +2 ( M g 2 + ), and hydrogen carbonate has a charge of -1 ( H C O 3 − ). To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance.
Balancing Charges To balance the +2 charge of the magnesium ion, we need two hydrogen carbonate ions, each with a -1 charge. This gives us the formula M g ( H C O 3 ) 2 .
Determining the Formula Therefore, the correct formula for magnesium hydrogen carbonate is M g ( H C O 3 ) 2 .
Examples
Magnesium hydrogen carbonate is found in natural water sources and plays a role in water hardness. Understanding its formula helps in water treatment processes, where it's important to know the composition of the compound to remove it effectively. For example, in areas with hard water, understanding the chemical composition allows for the implementation of appropriate water softening techniques to prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances. This knowledge is also crucial in agriculture, where water quality affects plant growth and soil health.
