What is the formula of Lead Sulphide?

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Multiple Choice

What is the formula of Lead Sulphide?

Explanation:
Forming a compound with a metal and a non-metal involves balancing charges so the overall molecule is neutral. Lead typically forms a Pb2+ ion, and sulfide is the S2− ion. When they combine in a 1:1 ratio, the charges cancel to give a neutral compound, which is lead sulfide. That simple 1:1 combination is what yields the formula PbS. Other formulas correspond to different compounds: PbSO4 would be lead sulfate containing the sulfate ion, PbS2 would require an improbable balance of charges, and PbO is lead oxide with oxide instead of sulfide.

Forming a compound with a metal and a non-metal involves balancing charges so the overall molecule is neutral. Lead typically forms a Pb2+ ion, and sulfide is the S2− ion. When they combine in a 1:1 ratio, the charges cancel to give a neutral compound, which is lead sulfide. That simple 1:1 combination is what yields the formula PbS. Other formulas correspond to different compounds: PbSO4 would be lead sulfate containing the sulfate ion, PbS2 would require an improbable balance of charges, and PbO is lead oxide with oxide instead of sulfide.

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