Question

What is the ending of the names of the Poly-atomic ions containing oxyanions, and what is their charge?

a) -ate, -2
b) -ite, -1
c) -ate, -1
d) -ite, -2

Answer 1

Polyatomic ions containing oxyanions can end in -ate or -ite, depending on the number of oxygen atoms present. Their charge is determined by the number of valence electrons on the non-oxygen atom minus twice the number of oxygen atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxyanions are polyatomic ions that contain one or more oxygen atoms. The ending of the names of the polyatomic ions containing oxyanions depend on the number of oxygen atoms present. If the polyatomic ion has more oxygen atoms, it ends in -ate and if it has fewer oxygen atoms, it ends in -ite. The charge of the polyatomic ions depends on the number of valence electrons on the non-oxygen atom minus twice the number of oxygen atoms.

For example, the nitrate ion (NO3-) has three oxygen atoms, so it ends in -ate and has a charge of -1. On the other hand, the nitrite ion (NO2-) has two oxygen atoms, so it ends in -ite and also has a charge of -1.