Sodium Sulfite and Polyatomic Ions

The video tutorial explains how to write the formula for sodium sulfite. It begins by identifying the element symbols for sodium and sulfite, noting that sulfite is a polyatomic ion with a charge of 2-. Sodium, found in group one of the periodic table, has a 1+ charge. The tutorial uses the criss-cross method to balance the charges and derive the formula Na2SO3. The process is verified by ensuring the net charge is zero, confirming the formula for sodium sulfite.

What is the chemical symbol for sodium?

• S

• Na

• N

• So

Which of the following is a polyatomic ion?

• Chlorine

• Sodium

• Helium

• Sulfite

What is the ionic charge of the sulfite ion?

• 2+

• 3-

• 2-

• 1+

Why is sodium sulfite considered a neutral compound?

• The total positive and negative charges balance out to zero.

• It contains no charged particles.

• It is a gas at room temperature.

• It has equal numbers of sodium and sulfite ions.

What method is used to determine the formula for sodium sulfite?

• Substitution method

• Criss-cross method

• Balancing method

• Addition method

What is the final chemical formula for sodium sulfite?

• Na3SO3

• Na2SO3

• Na2SO4

• NaSO3

How do you verify the formula for sodium sulfite?

• By measuring the compound's mass

• By ensuring the net charge is zero

• By checking the periodic table

• By counting the number of atoms