Polyatomic Ions and Ionic Compounds

Flashcards covering polyatomic ions, formulas of ionic compounds, naming conventions, and an introduction to acids and bases.

Polyatomic Ion

An ion composed of more than one atom, held together by covalent bonds, and charged due to an unequal number of electrons and protons.

Hydronium Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula H3O+.

Ammonium Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula NH4+.

Acetate Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula CH3CO2-.

Carbonate Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula CO32-.

Nitrate Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula NO3-.

Hydroxide Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula OH-.

Phosphate Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula PO43-.

Sulfate Ion

A common polyatomic ion with the formula SO42-.

Simplest Formula

The lowest possible ratio of atoms in an ionic compound.

Formula Unit

The formula that identifies the smallest neutral unit of an ionic compound.

Type I Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds containing cations of main group elements.

Type II Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds containing metals that can exhibit more than one charge, which requires Roman numerals in their names.

Hydrogen Cation

A single proton, represented as H+.

Acid

A substance that provides H+ ions in water.

Base

A substance that provides OH- ions in water.