Question

Mercury forms two common ions, mercury (1) and mercury (2). What is the correct term for the mercury (2) ion? A. mercuric. B. mercurite. C. mercuride. D. mercurous.

Answer 1

The answer is mercuric

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is A) mercuric

Explanation:

For elements that have two oxidation states, the higher oxidation state (greater loss of electrons) takes a name with the sufix "-ic".

In the case of Mercury element (Hg), it can form the mercurous ion Hg⁺ (lesser oxidation state) and the mercuric ion Hg²⁺ (higher oxidation state).