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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)

10short 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?
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Sodium chloride: Na+^+ Cl−^- →\to NaCl.
What are balance charges?
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Total positive charge equals total negative charge.
What are variable-valency metals?
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Use Roman numerals to specify oxidation state. Iron(II) = Fe2+^{2+}; iron(III) = Fe3+^{3+}.
What are polyatomic ions?
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Common ones to know:
What is prefixes specify the number of each atom?
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Mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, deca-.
What is brackets for polyatomic ions when needed?
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When more than one polyatomic ion is needed, use brackets: Al2_2(SO4_4)3_3, Mg(NO3_3)2_2.
What are variable-valency metal without Roman numerals?
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Iron oxide is ambiguous (FeO or Fe2_2O3_3); specify iron(II) or iron(III).
What is q1?
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Write the IUPAC name and formula for each: (a) the compound formed between magnesium and phosphate, (b) the compound formed between copper(II) and hydroxide. [2 marks]
What is q2?
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A binary covalent compound of nitrogen and oxygen has the formula N2O4\text{N}_2 \text{O}_4. (a) Name the compound. (b) State why a prefix is needed on the nitrogen in this name but not in carbon dioxide.
What is q3?
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(a) Write the formula for iron(III) sulfate. (b) Explain why brackets are needed. (c) Compare and contrast the naming rules used for ionic compounds versus simple binary covalent compounds.

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