Answer
Given the name of a binary ionic compound, we will write the formula by writing the symbol of the first ion named (the cation, which is just the name of the element for representative elements and the name of the element followed by the charge of the ion for transition metals). Then we will write the symbol of the anion, which is always mentioned second. We will then verify that the compound is neutral by checking that the negative and positive charges of the anions cancel out. If the net charge is not equal to zero, then we may change the subscripts in the formula in order to achieve a zero net charge. If the formula is given instead, then we get the name of the compound by first identifying the cation and write the name of its element first, followed by the name of the anion.
Work Step by Step
Given the name of a binary ionic compound, we will write the formula by writing the symbol of the first ion named (the cation, which is just the name of the element for representative elements and the name of the element followed by the charge of the ion for transition metals). Then we will write the symbol of the anion, which is always mentioned second. We will then verify that the compound is neutral by checking that the negative and positive charges of the anions cancel out. If the net charge is not equal to zero, then we may change the subscripts in the formula in order to achieve a zero net charge. If the formula is given instead, then we get the name of the compound by first identifying the cation and write the name of its element first, followed by the name of the anion.
