Final answer:
Adding -ate or -ite to the end of a compound name indicates that the compound contains polyatomic ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When -ate or -ite is added to the end of a compound name, it usually indicates that the compound contains polyatomic ions. These polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that have a net charge and behave as a single unit. The -ate suffix is used when the polyatomic ion contains more oxygen atoms, while the -ite suffix is used when the polyatomic ion contains fewer oxygen atoms.