What is the correct formula for calcium nitrate
Ca(NO3)2 = calcium nitrate
The correct chemical formula for calcium nitrate is Ca(NO3)2. To determine the correct formula, we use the charges of the atoms involved.
Calcium is a group 2 element with a positive charge of +2. Nitrate is a polyatomic ion consisting of one nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O). The nitrate ion has a charge of -1.
Since the charges must balance out in a neutral compound, we need two nitrate ions to balance the +2 charge of calcium.
To write the formula, we place the calcium ion (Ca2+) first, followed by two nitrate ions (NO3-) enclosed in parentheses to indicate that there are two of them. The final formula for calcium nitrate is Ca(NO3)2.
In summary, by knowing the charges of the elements involved, we can determine the correct formula for calcium nitrate.