Final answer:
The steps for writing the formula for an ionic compound involve representing the metal ion and the nonmetal ion with their respective charges. The formula should show the simplest ratio of the ions. Naming an ionic compound involves writing the name of the cation followed by the name of the anion, without including the charges of the ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Writing the formula for an ionic compound involves writing the symbol and charge of the metal ion, followed by the symbol and charge of the nonmetal ion. The formula should show the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements, such that the total positive charge is equal to the total negative charge. For example, the formula for sodium chloride (NaCl) shows that one sodium ion (Na+) combines with one chloride ion (Cl-) to form a neutral compound.
Naming an ionic compound involves writing the name of the cation followed by the name of the anion. The name does not include the charges of the ions, but it does indicate the ratio of ions in the compound. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) indicates that there is one sodium ion for every chloride ion.