Compounds with polyatomic ions

Front

What is a polyatomic ion?

Back

A polyatomic ion is a charged species (ion) composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded, which can be considered as a single unit. Examples include sulfate (SO₄²⁻) and nitrate (NO₃⁻).

Front

What is the formula for sodium phosphate?

Back

The formula for sodium phosphate is Na₃PO₄.

Front

What is the formula for hydroxide?

Back

The formula for hydroxide is OH⁻.

Front

What is the formula for aluminum sulfate?

Back

The formula for aluminum sulfate is Al₂(SO₄)₃.

Front

What is the formula for lithium acetate?

Back

The formula for lithium acetate is LiC₂H₃O₂.

Front

What is the formula for iron(II) carbonate?

Back

The formula for iron(II) carbonate is FeCO₃.

Front

How do you determine the charge of a polyatomic ion?

Back

The charge of a polyatomic ion can be determined by the total number of electrons gained or lost by the atoms in the ion. For example, sulfate (SO₄) has a charge of -2.

Front

What is the significance of parentheses in chemical formulas?

Back

Parentheses in chemical formulas indicate that the enclosed group of atoms is a polyatomic ion and that the subscript outside the parentheses applies to all atoms inside. For example, in Al₂(SO₄)₃, the sulfate ion is treated as a single unit.

Front

What is the difference between ionic and covalent compounds?

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Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions, while covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Front

What is the formula for ammonium sulfate?

Back

The formula for ammonium sulfate is (NH₄)₂SO₄.