Ionic Compounds and Nomenclature

The video tutorial explains how to write the formula for magnesium sulfite. It begins by identifying magnesium and sulfite, noting that sulfite is a polyatomic ion with a two-minus charge. The tutorial discusses the ionic nature of the compound, emphasizing the need to balance charges to achieve a neutral compound. The final formula for magnesium sulfite is presented as MgSO3.

What is the element symbol for magnesium?

• Mg

• Ma

• Mb

• Mn

What does the suffix 'ite' indicate in chemical nomenclature?

• A single element

• A polyatomic ion

• A metal

• A noble gas

What is the chemical formula for the sulfite ion?

• SO2

• SO4

• SO3

• S2O3

What is the charge of the sulfite ion?

• 2+

• 1+

• 2-

• 1-

Why must the charges in an ionic compound add up to zero?

• To make the compound stable

• To make the compound colorful

• To make the compound magnetic

• To make the compound visible

What is the correct formula for magnesium sulfite?

• Mg2SO3

• MgS

• MgSO3

• MgSO4