Chemistry key terms/formulas

Polyatomic ions

ions made up of two or more atoms, that carry a net charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

How to identify a polyatomic ion?

Polyatomic ions end in “ate“ or “ite” (e.g., sulfate/nitrate)

Monatomic ions

ions consisting of a single atom that carries a positive or negative charge

How to identify monatomic ions?

Monatomic ions end in “ide“

How do you change "ate" to "ite"

Keep the charges the same, but remove 1 oxygen

Nitrate

NO3−

Sulfate

SO4-2

Phosphate

PO4-3

Carbonate

CO3-2

Nitrite

NO2-

Sulfite

SO3-2

Phosphite

PO3-3

Carbonite

CO2-

Hydroxide

OH- (a base in chemical reactions)

CH3COO

Acetate

Sulfuric acid

H2SO4