For step 1: Add in the correct charge for the cation and anion in question, in this case +step three for Al and -dos for S. For Step 2: Use the cross multiply rule to predict how many atoms will be needed from each type and multiply through the total ion charge for both the cation and anion. For Step 3: Add the products together to be sure that your compound is stable and the net charge on the formula is zero. In our example, we require 2 atoms of Al and 3 atoms of S. This would be written as Al2S3 as the final product.
3.5 Naming Ions and you will Ionic Substances
Some compounds have common names, like water for H2O. However, there are thousands of other compounds that are uncommon or have multiple names. Also, the common name is usually not recognized internationally. What looks like water to you might look like agua or vatten to someone else. To allow chemists to communicate without confusion, there are naming conventions to determine the systematic name of a chemical. For the chemistry naming system in this text, we will primarily be using the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) naming system. Note that there is also an older and more archaic (-ous and -ic) naming system, in addition to the IUPAC system. In some instances the older naming system is still in high use. These deviations from the IUPAC system will be noted throughout the text, as you will likely still see this older nomenclature still in use within chemical laboratories and the health sciences field. Continue reading “Step: Utilize the # Atoms worthy of to manufacture the latest subscripts for your chemicals algorithm”