What is the hint for working with polyatomic ions?

Prefixes. In a similar fashion to the suffix pattern, the prefix pattern involved in naming polyatomic ions shows extreme values of oxygen atoms in the ions. The two important prefixes are “per” and “hypo.” If an ion has a “per” prefix, it means the ion has one more oxygen atom than does the ion with as “ate” suffix.

How do you memorize compounds?

For example: O = oxide, F = flouride, Cl = chloride, Br = bromide. Determine if the anion is a polyatomic anion with oxygen. If so, use the suffix “-ate” for compounds with more oxygen, and -ite in compounds with less oxygen. For example: SO4 = sulfate, SO3 = sulfite, NO3 = nitrate, NO2 = nitrite.

What are the rules for naming polyatomic ions?

Rule 1. The cation is written first in the name; the anion (takes electrons) is written second in the name. Rule 2. When the formula unit contains two or more of the same polyatomic ion, that ion is written in parentheses with the subscript written outside the parentheses.

Why is it important to memorize polyatomic ions?

Polyatomic ions are important in chemistry because they are found in many common chemical compounds. Because of this, it is helpful to memorize the most common of these ions. Some teachers do allow students to use a list of polyatomic ions for exams while others do not. However, memorizing the most common is recommended.

Is there a way to memorize ate ions?

The problem with these memorization tactics is that they depend on you first learning the basic “ate” ions, which you’d have to do with rote memorization… and even still, they do nothing to prevent you from forgetting a bunch of the “ate” versions, and therefore, forgetting entire groups of polyatomic ions.

How are we able to memorize large amounts of data?

In order to memorize this stuff quickly and easily, we have to think out of the box, and instead rely on the incredible power of our visual memory. You see, the human brain has, in fact, evolved to memorize HUGE amounts of data… it just isn’t used to doing it in an auditory or text-based way.