Question

What is the chemical formula for the ternary compound composed of co3+ and so42- ions? coso4 co3(so4)2 co2so4 co2(so4)3 none of the above?

Answer 1

If you are provided with Cation and an Anion with different oxidation states, then there ratio in the formula unit is adjusted as such that the oxidation number of one ion is set the coefficient of other ion and vice versa,

Example:
               Let suppose you are provided with A⁺² and B⁻¹, so multiply A by 1 and B by 2 as follow,
                                                      A(B)₂

In statement we are given with Co⁺³ and SO₄⁻², so multiply Co⁺³ by 2 and SO₄⁻² by 3, hence,

                                                  Co₂(SO₄)₃

Result:
           Co₂(SO₄)₃ is the correct answer.