Ionic Formula Writing with Javalab

​In this activity, we will practice ionic formula writing. A simulation will help us to explore this important skill set. You will be able to drag ions together to form neutral compounds.
Then, you will practice naming ionic compounds.

Ionic formula writing and names

Home

Open in new tab

Copy link

​Open the simulation https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/
in a separate browser window

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula for the formula that results when potassium ions and chloride ions form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• KCl

• K₂Cl

• KCl₂

• K₂Cl₂

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula for the formula that results when magnesium ions and oxide ions form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• MgO

• MgO₂

• Mg₂O

• Mg₂O₂

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula for the compound that forms between Cu²⁺ ions and PO₄^3- ions?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• Cu₃(PO₄)₂

• CuPO₄

• Cu₂(PO₄)₃

• Cu(PO₄)₂

• Cu₃PO₄

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula for the formula that results when silver ions and sulfide ions form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• AgS

• AgS₂

• Ag₂S

• Ag₂S₂

​Now let's practice writing formulas with polyatomic ions

Multiple Choice

What is the correct that results when aluminum ions and hydroxide ions form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• Al(OH)₃

• AlOH₃

• Al₃OH

• AlOH

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula that results when potassium ions and phosphate ions (PO₄^3-) form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• K(PO₄)₃

• KPO₄

• K₃PO₄

• K₂PO₄

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula that results when barium ions and permanganate (MnO₄^-) form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• BaMnO₄

• Ba(MnO₄)₂

• Ba₂MnO₄

• BaMnO₄₂

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula that results when ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and sulfate (SO₄^2-) form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• NH₄SO₄

• NH₄(SO₄)₂

• (NH₄)₂SO₄

• NH₂SO₄

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula that results when aluminum ions and sulfide ions form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• AlS

• Al₃S₂

• Al₂S₂

• Al₂S₃

Multiple Choice

What is the correct formula that results when Cu²⁺ ions and sulfide ions form a compound?

You can use the simulation at https://javalab.org/en/ion_model_en/

• CuS

• CuS₂

• Cu₂S

• Cu₂S₂

Naming ionic compounds

​Cation name, then anion name

If the metal could form more than one cation, include a Roman numeral giving the cation charge
Pay attention to the anion suffix: -ide, -ite or -ate

copper(I) sulfate

​Sulfate has a charge of 2-, so each copper ion must have a +1 charge
Use a Roman numeral I to state the cation charge

​Cu₂SO₄

copper(II) sulfate

​Sulfate has a charge of 2-, so the copper ion must have a +2 charge
Use a Roman numeral II to state the cation charge

​CuSO₄

Examples

Drag and Drop

The compound Fe(MnO₄)₂

is named​

Placeholder

​

Placeholder

.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

iron(II)

permanganate

iron(III)

iron

manganate

manganite

Match

Match each compound with the correct name

• Fe(NO₃)₃

• Fe(NO₃)₂

• Fe(NO₂)₃

• Fe(NO₂)₂

iron(III) nitrate

iron(II) nitrate

iron(III) nitrite

iron(II) nitrite

• iron(III) nitrate

• iron(II) nitrate

• iron(III) nitrite

• iron(II) nitrite

Drag and Drop

The compound Sn₃(PO₄)₂ is named

​

Placeholder

​

Placeholder

​

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

tin(II)

phosphate

tin(IV)

tin(III)

phosphite

phosphide

Match

Match the following compounds with the correct name

• Au₃N

• AuN

• AuNO₃

• AuNO₂

• Au(NO₃)₃

gold(I) nitride

gold(III) nitride

gold(I) nitrate

gold(I) nitrite

gold(III) nitrate

• gold(I) nitride

• gold(III) nitride

• gold(I) nitrate

• gold(I) nitrite

• gold(III) nitrate

Keep practicing names and formulas--this is a key skill. Ask for help if you still don't feel confident.

​

​Good work!