Naming Ionic/Molecular 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. They typically form between metals and nonmetals.

Front

What is a molecular compound?

Back

A molecular compound is a chemical compound whose simplest units are molecules, formed by covalent bonds between nonmetals.

Front

How do you determine the number of atoms in a chemical formula?

Back

The number of atoms is indicated by the subscript numbers in the chemical formula. If no subscript is present, it is understood to be one.

Front

What is the naming convention for ionic compounds?

Back

Ionic compounds are named by stating the name of the metal (cation) first, followed by the name of the nonmetal (anion) with its ending changed to '-ide'.

Front

What is the naming convention for molecular compounds?

Back

Molecular compounds are named using prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element, followed by the name of the first element and the second element with an '-ide' ending.

Front

What is the formula for sodium chloride?

Back

NaCl

Front

What is the formula for carbon dioxide?

Back

CO₂

Front

What is the name for the compound with the formula N₂O₄?

Back

dinitrogen tetroxide

Front

What is the name for the compound with the formula P₂O₅?

Back

diphosphorus pentoxide

Front

How do you write the formula for an ionic compound?

Back

To write the formula for an ionic compound, balance the total positive and negative charges of the ions to ensure the compound is neutral.