The table above shows the formulae of some ions. In which of these compounds is the formula not correct?

Answer Details

To assess the correctness of the chemical formulae for the given compounds, let's break down each compound:

1. Aluminium Tetraoxosulphate(VI), Al₂(SO₄)₃:

   Aluminium ion is denoted as Al³⁺, and the sulphate ion is SO₄^2-. To balance the charges between the positive and negative ions:

   2 x (+3) from aluminium ions = +6

   3 x (-2) from sulphate ions = -6

   Thus, the charges balance out, making the formula correct.

2. Calcium Trioxonitrate(V), Ca(NO₃)₂:

   Calcium ion is Ca²⁺, and the nitrate ion is NO₃^-. To balance the charges:

   1 x (+2) from calcium ion = +2

   2 x (-1) from nitrate ions = -2

   The charges balance out, therefore, this formula is also correct.

3. Iron(III) Bromide, Fe₃Br:

   Iron(III) ion is Fe³⁺, and bromide ion is Br^-. Each iron ion would pair with three bromide ions to balance the charges:

   FeBr₃, where:

   1 x (+3) from iron = +3

   3 x (-1) from bromide = -3

   The charges balance out in the correct formula which should be FeBr₃, making the given formula Fe₃Br incorrect.

4. Potassium Sulphide, K₂S:

   Potassium ion is K⁺, and sulphide ion is S^2-. To balance the charges:

   2 x (+1) from potassium ions = +2

   1 x (-2) from sulphide ion = -2

   The charges balance out, making this formula correct.

Therefore, the compound with the incorrect formula is Iron(III) Bromide where the proper chemical formula should be FeBr₃, not Fe₃Br.