Q
QuestionChemistry

Why is the chemical formula for magnesium sulfide written as MgS and not Mg^2S^2?
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Answer

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Step 1
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Step 2
: Understand the Basic Principles of Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are written to represent the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. To determine the correct formula, we need to consider the ionic charges of magnesium and sulfur.

Final Answer

The chemical formula for magnesium sulfide is MgS because it represents the simplest whole-number ratio that neutralizes the ionic charges of magnesium and sulfur.