Questions: Write the empirical formula for at least four ionic compounds that could be formed from the following ions: SO4^2-, IO3^-, NH4^+, Fe^3+

Solution Steps

The given ions are:

• Anions: \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\), \(\mathrm{IO}_{3}^{-}\)
• Cations: \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\), \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\)

To form neutral ionic compounds, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge.

1. Pairing \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\) with \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\):

   • Two \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\) ions are needed to balance one \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\) ion.
   • Empirical formula: \(\mathrm{(NH_4)_2SO_4}\)

2. Pairing \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\) with \(\mathrm{IO}_{3}^{-}\):

   • One \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\) ion is needed to balance one \(\mathrm{IO}_{3}^{-}\) ion.
   • Empirical formula: \(\mathrm{NH_4IO_3}\)

3. Pairing \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) with \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\):

   • Two \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) ions are needed to balance three \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\) ions.
   • Empirical formula: \(\mathrm{Fe_2(SO_4)_3}\)

4. Pairing \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) with \(\mathrm{IO}_{3}^{-}\):

   • One \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) ion is needed to balance three \(\mathrm{IO}_{3}^{-}\) ions.
   • Empirical formula: \(\mathrm{Fe(IO_3)_3}\)

Final Answer