Polyatomic Oxyanion Quiz

What is the name of the oxyanion with the formula NO₂?

• carbonate

• nitrite

• nitrate

• sulfate

Answer explanation

The oxyanion with the formula NO₂ is called nitrite. It consists of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, distinguishing it from nitrate (NO₃) which has three oxygen atoms.

Which of the following is the correct formula for sulfate?

• PO₄³-

• SO₂²-

• CO₃²-

• SO₄²-

Answer explanation

The correct formula for sulfate is SO₄²-. It consists of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms, carrying a -2 charge. The other options represent different ions: PO₄³- is phosphate, SO₂²- is not a standard ion, and CO₃²- is carbonate.

What is the name of the oxyanion with the formula CO₃²-?

• carbonate

• nitrate

• sulfite

• phosphate

Answer explanation

The oxyanion with the formula CO₃²- is called carbonate. It is distinct from nitrate (NO₃⁻), sulfite (SO₃²-), and phosphate (PO₄³-), which have different chemical formulas and structures.

Which oxyanion has the formula PO₄³-?

• phosphate

• nitrite

• carbonate

• sulfate

Answer explanation

The oxyanion with the formula PO₄³- is known as phosphate. It consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms, carrying a -3 charge, distinguishing it from nitrite, carbonate, and sulfate.

What is the name of the oxyanion with the formula SO₂²-?

• sulfite

• nitrate

• sulfate

• phosphate

Answer explanation

The oxyanion with the formula SO₂²- is called sulfite. It consists of sulfur and oxygen, and is distinct from sulfate (SO₄²-) and other anions like nitrate and phosphate.

Which of the following is the correct formula for nitrate?

• NO₃

• NO₂

• SO₄²-

• CO₃²-

Answer explanation

The correct formula for nitrate is NO₃, which consists of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. The other options represent different compounds: NO₂ is nitrogen dioxide, SO₄²- is sulfate, and CO₃²- is carbonate.

What is the name of the oxyanion with the formula SO₄²-?

• phosphate

• nitrite

• sulfite

• sulfate

Answer explanation

The oxyanion with the formula SO₄²- is called sulfate. It is distinct from sulfite (SO₃²-), phosphate (PO₄³-), and nitrite (NO₂-), making sulfate the correct answer.

Which oxyanion has the formula NO₃?

• nitrite

• sulfate

• carbonate

• nitrate

Answer explanation

The formula NO₃ corresponds to the nitrate ion. Nitrate is a polyatomic ion with one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms, while nitrite (NO₂) has only two oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is nitrate.

What is the name of the oxyanion with the formula NO₂³-?

• nitrite

• nitrate

• phosphate

• sulfate

Answer explanation

The oxyanion with the formula NO₂³- is known as nitrate. Nitrite (NO₂-) has one less oxygen, while phosphate (PO₄³-) and sulfate (SO₄²-) are different anions altogether.

Which of the following is the correct formula for nitrite?

• NO₂

• NO₃

• PO₄³-

• SO₄²-

Answer explanation

The correct formula for nitrite is NO₂, which consists of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. NO₃ represents nitrate, while PO₄³- and SO₄²- are phosphate and sulfate ions, respectively.