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VICChemistryQuick questions
Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
Quick questions on Chemical nomenclature and formulae (VCE Chemistry Unit 1)
9short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is cation first, anion second?Show answer
Sodium chloride: Na$^+$ Cl$^-$ $\to$ NaCl.
What is balance charges?Show answer
Total positive charge equals total negative charge.
What is variable-valency metals?Show answer
Use Roman numerals to specify oxidation state. Iron(II) = Fe$^{2+}$; iron(III) = Fe$^{3+}$.
What is polyatomic ions?Show answer
Common ones to know: - Nitrate NO$_3^-$, sulfate SO$_4^{2-}$, phosphate PO$_4^{3-}$, carbonate CO$_3^{2-}$, hydroxide OH$^-$, ammonium NH$_4^+$, acetate CH$_3$COO$^-$.
What is prefixes specify the number of each atom?Show answer
Mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, deca-.
What is forgetting charge balance in ionic?Show answer
Aluminium sulfate is Al$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$, not AlSO$_4$.
What is brackets for polyatomic ions when needed?Show answer
When more than one polyatomic ion is needed, use brackets: Al$_2$(SO$_4$)$_3$, Mg(NO$_3$)$_2$.
What is using "mono" on first element of covalent name?Show answer
CO is carbon monoxide, not monocarbon monoxide.
What is variable-valency metal without Roman numerals?Show answer
Iron oxide is ambiguous (FeO or Fe$_2$O$_3$); specify iron(II) or iron(III).