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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 4

Name each ionic compound appropriately: a. BaS b. FeCl3 c. PbI4 d. SrBr2

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the cation and anion in each compound. For example, in BaS, Ba is the cation and S is the anion.
Determine the charge of the cation and anion. For instance, Ba typically has a charge of +2, and S has a charge of -2.
Name the cation first, followed by the anion. For BaS, the cation is Barium and the anion is Sulfide, so the compound is named Barium Sulfide.
For transition metals like Fe and Pb, determine the oxidation state of the metal. For FeCl3, Fe has a +3 charge, so it is named Iron(III) Chloride.
Apply the same process to the remaining compounds: PbI4 is Lead(IV) Iodide and SrBr2 is Strontium Bromide.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, creating a stable compound. Understanding the nature of ionic bonds is essential for naming these compounds correctly.
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Nomenclature of Ionic Compounds

The nomenclature of ionic compounds involves specific rules for naming the cations and anions. Typically, the cation is named first, followed by the anion. For metals that can form multiple charges, such as iron or lead, the charge is indicated using Roman numerals in parentheses.
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Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded and carry a net charge. When naming ionic compounds that include polyatomic ions, it is important to recognize the specific names of these ions, as they differ from simple anions. This knowledge is crucial for accurately naming compounds like those containing sulfate or phosphate.
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