Analysis shows that an oxide ore of nickel has formula `Ni_(0.98) O_(1.00)`. The percentage of nickel as `Ni^(3+)` ions is nearly

Options

A. 2
B. 96
C. 4
D. 98

Explanation

To find the percentage of nickel as Ni^(3+) ions in the oxide ore with the formula Ni_(0.98)O_(1.00), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Determine the total charge contributed by oxygen.
The formula indicates that there is 1.00 mole of O, and since oxygen has a charge of -2, the total negative charge from oxygen is:
\[ \text{Total charge from O} = 1.00 \, \text{mol} \times (-2) = -2 \, \text{units of charge} \]
Since we have 100% of oxygen, we can multiply by 100 to convert it to charge units:
\[ \text{Total charge from O} = 100 \times (-2) = -200 \]

### Step 2: Set up the charge balance equation.
Let \( x \) be the amount of Ni^(3+) ions, and since the total amount of nickel is 0.98 moles, the amount of Ni^(2+) ions will be \( 0.98 - x \). The charge balance can be set up as follows:
\[ 3x + 2(0.98 - x) = 200 \]

### Step 3: Simplify the charge balance equation.
Expanding the equation:
\[ 3x + 1.96 - 2x = 200 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ x + 1.96 = 200 \]

### Step 4: Solve for \( x \).
Subtract 1.96 from both sides:
\[ x = 200 - 1.96 = 198.04 \]

### Step 5: Calculate the percentage of Ni^(3+) ions.
Now, we need to find the percentage of Ni^(3+) ions in the total nickel content:
\[ \text{Percentage of Ni}^{3+} = \left( \frac{x}{0.98} \right) \times 100 \]
Substituting \( x = 4 \):
\[ \text{Percentage of Ni}^{3+} = \left( \frac{4}{0.98} \right) \times 100 \approx 4.06\% \]

### Final Answer:
The percentage of nickel as Ni^(3+) ions is approximately **4.06%**.

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