What is the ion that corresponds to the formula OH(-)?

Study for the ALEKS Placement Chemistry Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your chemistry exam!

The ion represented by the formula OH(-) is known as hydroxide. Hydroxide consists of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to one hydrogen atom, and it carries a negative charge, which signifies that it can donate a proton in chemical reactions. This characteristic allows hydroxide ions to play a crucial role in basic (alkaline) solutions, where they can react with acids to form water and a salt.

Understanding this concept is important because hydroxide ions are often involved in acid-base chemistry, where the balance between hydroxide and hydrogen ions (H+) determines the acidity or basicity of a solution. Additionally, in various chemical processes, hydroxide can act as a powerful nucleophile, participating in many organic reactions.

The other options represent different types of ions that do not have the same composition or charge as hydroxide. Oxide refers to O2- ions, sulfide refers to S2- ions, and phosphate corresponds to PO4^3- ions, which all have distinct characteristics and roles in chemistry separate from hydroxide.

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