Naming Compounds Tutorial And Worksheet With Answers Page 5

ADVERTISEMENT

Examples: Writing the Formulas of Ionic Compounds
Write the formula for iron(II) phosphate.
1) Write the symbol/formula of the first ion in the compound’s name, then the
symbol/formula of the second ion in the compound’s name.
When you see a polyatomic ion (nitrate), look up the formula and charge
in the table of polyatomic ions.
Fe PO
4
2) Indicate the ratio of each ion in the compound using subscripts after each ion.
b. This step involves filling in the subscripts boxes as we did in the lecture:
Fe PO
4
The ratio of the ions is deduced by balancing the charges of the ions.
This is done so that the total charge in the crystal, when large numbers of
cations and anions combine, is equal to zero.
We find the ion’s charge from its position on the periodic table or we
look it up in a table in the case of polyatomic ions.
Transition metal with varying charges will be written in the compound
name in Roman numerals.
In this example, now we know the charge on the Fe ion is 2+
First, temporarily write the charge of each ion above the ion’s symbol.
2+
3-
Fe PO
4
Next, place numbers in the subscripts such that the total charge of the
compound is zero. Note that in this example, we need two phosphate ions, each
2+
has a charge of (3-) and three Fe
ions to balance the charge:
2(-3) + 3(-2) = 0 zero total charge.
2+
3-
Fe
PO
3
4 2
We saw a shortcut way to do this called the Criss-Cross Method (see your
chapter 3 notes)
2+
3-
Fe
PO
3
4 2
IMPORTANT:
unit we use
When there is more than one of a polyatomic ion in the formula
parenthesis. There are 2 ions of phosphate in iron(II)phosphate.
Fe
PO
= Fe
(PO
)
3
4 2
3
4
2
5

ADVERTISEMENT

00 votes

Related Articles

Related forms

Related Categories

Parent category: Education