The chemical formula for nickel (III) phosphite is __. Ni
P Ni
PO
NiPO
NiPO
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is NiPO₃.
Explanation:
To find the correct formula for nickel (III) phosphite, we follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the ions and their charges
- Nickel (III) means nickel has a +3 charge, written as Ni³⁺.
- Phosphite is a polyatomic ion with the formula PO₃³⁻ and a -3 charge.
Step 2: Combine the ions
When writing chemical formulas, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- Nickel ion: Ni³⁺
- Phosphite ion: PO₃³⁻
Since both ions have charges of equal magnitude but opposite signs, one ion of each is enough to balance the charges.
Step 3: Write the formula
The formula becomes:NiPO₃\text{NiPO₃}NiPO₃
Step 4: Verify
- Nickel contributes +3 charge.
- Phosphite contributes -3 charge.
- The compound is electrically neutral, so this is correct.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Confusing phosphate (PO₄³⁻) with phosphite (PO₃³⁻). They are different polyatomic ions.
- Using the wrong charge for nickel. The Roman numeral III indicates a +3 charge. Nickel can also form Ni²⁺, but that would be written as nickel (II).
- Writing formulas like NiP, which suggests phosphide ion P³⁻, but phosphide is not the same as phosphite.
Conclusion:
The chemical formula for nickel (III) phosphite is NiPO₃, with both ions properly balancing each other’s charges, resulting in a stable, neutral compound.
