Question

Match the formula for the following compound:

HgO2

Mercury (IV) oxide
Mercury (II) oxide
Mercury dioxide
Mercury oxide

Answer 1

Mercury (IV) oxide is the answer

Answer 2

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is known that rule for writing a chemical formula is by cross multiplying the oxidation states of the atoms forming a bond.

So, oxidation state of mercury in
`HgO_(2)` is +4 and oxidation state of oxygen is -2.

Therefore, when we cross multiply oxidation states of cation and anion and then we represent in simplest ratio.

Thus, simplest ration in
`HgO_(2)` is 1:2.

Hence, we can conclude that mercury (IV) oxide has molecular formula
`HgO_(2)`.