Final Answer:
The types of compounds that use their prefixes in their names according to the IUPAC nomenclature system are covalent compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the IUPAC nomenclature system, covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between two non-metal atoms. These compounds are named using prefixes to indicate the number of each type of atom present in the molecule. The prefixes include mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, and deca-, and they specify the number of atoms of each element in the compound. For example, carbon dioxide (CO₂) has two oxygen atoms, so it is named carbon dioxide, indicating the presence of two oxygen atoms. Similarly, phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅) has five chlorine atoms, and the prefix "penta-" is used to denote this.
Covalent compounds are distinct from ionic compounds, which are formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal. In ionic compounds, the names do not use prefixes; instead, the positive and negative charges of the ions determine the compound's name. Understanding and using the appropriate prefixes in covalent compound names are crucial for clear communication in the field of chemistry. The IUPAC nomenclature system provides a standardized way to name compounds, facilitating universal understanding among scientists and students alike.