Naming Ionic Compounds

Front

What is an ionic compound?

Back

An ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding, typically formed between metals and nonmetals.

Front

Which elements typically form cations?

Back

Metals typically form cations by losing electrons.

Front

Which elements typically form anions?

Back

Nonmetals typically form anions by gaining electrons.

Front

What is the general rule for naming ionic compounds?

Back

The name of the ionic compound consists of the name of the cation (metal) followed by the name of the anion (nonmetal) with its ending changed to '-ide' or the appropriate polyatomic ion name.

Front

What is the formula for sodium chloride?

Back

NaCl

Front

How do you determine the charge of a cation in an ionic compound?

Back

The charge of a cation is determined by the group number of the metal in the periodic table; for example, Group 1 metals form +1 cations.

Front

What is the name of the compound with the formula KBr?

Back

Potassium bromide.

Front

What is the formula for aluminum oxide?

Back

Al₂O₃.

Front

What is a polyatomic ion?

Back

A polyatomic ion is a charged ion composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together, which can act as a single unit in a compound.

Front

What is the name of the polyatomic ion SO₄^2-?

Back

Sulfate.