Question

Each response below lists an ion by name and by chemical symbol or formula. Also each ion is classified as monatomic or polyatomic and as a cation or anion. Which response contains an error?

A. phosphate / PO₃⁻/ polyatomic / anion
B. sulfite / SO₃²⁻ / polyatomic / anion
C. nitrite / NO₃⁻ / polyatomic / anion
D. iron(II) / Fe²⁺ / monatomic / cation
E. bromide / Br⁻ / monatomic / anion

Answer 1

The response containing an error is C. nitrite / NO₃⁻ / polyatomic / anion. In the given response C, there is an error in the classification of nitrite.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nitrite is represented by the chemical formula NO₂⁻, not NO₃⁻. NO₃⁻ represents nitrate. Nitrite is a polyatomic anion, but its correct chemical formula is NO₂⁻. Therefore, response C contains an error.

This mistake can be easily clarified by recalling the correct chemical formulas for nitrate (NO₃⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻). Nitrate has three oxygen atoms, while nitrite has two oxygen atoms. Therefore, NO₃⁻ is not the correct representation of nitrite, and this discrepancy in the chemical formula classification makes response C incorrect.

Understanding the correct formulas and classifications for ions is crucial in chemistry, as it forms the foundation for various chemical reactions and interactions. Recognizing and correcting such errors ensures accurate communication in the field of chemistry and contributes to a solid understanding of the subject matter. The response containing an error is C. nitrite / NO₃⁻ / polyatomic / anion.