Identify the correct formula for nickel(II) sulfate.

Master chemistry nomenclature with our test! Featuring essential concepts, exercises, and explanations. Dive deep into chemical naming conventions!

Nickel(II) sulfate is composed of nickel ions with a +2 charge and sulfate ions, which have a -2 charge. The nomenclature "nickel(II)" indicates that nickel has a valency of +2 in this compound. Sulfate, represented by the formula SO₄²⁻, carries a -2 charge.

When combining these ions to form the compound, one nickel ion will associate with one sulfate ion to balance the charges, leading to the formula NiSO₄. This formula reflects that there is one nickel ion and one sulfate ion in the compound.

In examining the other options, NiSO₂ suggests a different stoichiometry that does not reflect the charge balance for nickel(II) and sulfate. Ni2SO4 suggests two nickel ions, which would require a different balancing with sulfate not aligned with the +2 and -2 charges. Lastly, Ni(SO₄)2 implies that there would be two sulfate ions for every nickel ion, which describes nickel(IV) sulfate instead, not nickel(II) sulfate. Therefore, the correct formula for nickel(II) sulfate is NiSO₄.

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