Chemical Formulas and Ionic Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to write the chemical formula for sodium perchlorate. It begins by identifying sodium as 'Na' and explains that perchlorate is a polyatomic ion, ClO4-, which is not found on the periodic table. The tutorial describes the formation of ionic compounds, emphasizing the need for the charges to balance to zero. Sodium, being a metal with a +1 charge, combines with the perchlorate ion, which has a -1 charge, resulting in the formula NaClO4. The video concludes with a summary of the process.

What is the element symbol for sodium?

• Na

• K

• Cl

• S

Which of the following is a characteristic of a polyatomic ion?

• It has no charge

• It ends in 'ate' or 'ite'

• It consists of a single element

• It is found on the periodic table

What is the chemical formula for the perchlorate ion?

• ClO3-

• ClO4-

• ClO2-

• ClO-

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

• To make the compound reactive

• To make the compound colorful

• To make the compound visible

• To make the compound stable

What is the correct formula for sodium perchlorate?

• NaClO

• NaClO4

• NaClO3

• NaClO2