[neyhaswim27]

I'm working on a chemistry packet and we have to write ionic formulas. We have to combine Hg22+ and N3- ..what would the formula be and why? Also, what would Hg22+ and PO43- turn out to be?


thanks!

[sjb]

I'm working on a chemistry packet and we have to write ionic formulas. We have to combine Hg22+ and N3- ..what would the formula be and why? Also, what would Hg22+ and PO43- turn out to be?


thanks!

Please consider using the sup and sub buttons to make your species clearer. Whilst Hg₂²⁺ and PO₄^3- are reasonably unambigious, N3- could be N₃^(1)-, or N^3-.

But in terms of the question, how many positive charges do you need to balance the negatives? Perhaps see http://chemistry.about.com/od/workedchemistryproblems/a/molecular-formulas-of-ionic-compounds-example-problem.htm ?