Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

3. Ionic Compounds

Polyatomic Ions

GOB Chemistry

3. Ionic Compounds

Polyatomic Ions

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3:03 minutes

Problem 36b

Textbook Question

Write the formula including the charge for each of the following polyatomic ions:
b. sulfite

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the term 'polyatomic ion'. A polyatomic ion is a charged species (ion) composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded, or of a metal complex that acts as a single unit with a net charge.

Step 2: Recall the sulfite ion. Sulfite is a polyatomic ion that contains sulfur and oxygen atoms. It is derived from sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) by losing two hydrogen ions (H⁺).

Step 3: Write the chemical formula for sulfite. The sulfite ion consists of one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms, and it carries a net charge of -2.

Step 4: Represent the sulfite ion using its chemical formula and charge. The correct formula for sulfite is

{SO}_{3} - 2

Step 5: Verify the formula. Ensure that the number of atoms and the charge match the known properties of the sulfite ion. Sulfite has a total of 3 oxygen atoms bonded to 1 sulfur atom, with a -2 charge.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together, which carry a net charge. They can be either positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions). Understanding polyatomic ions is essential for writing chemical formulas and balancing reactions, as they often appear in various compounds.

Sulfite Ion

The sulfite ion is a specific type of polyatomic ion with the chemical formula SO3^2-. It consists of one sulfur atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and carries a -2 charge. Recognizing the structure and charge of the sulfite ion is crucial for accurately representing it in chemical equations and formulas.

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are symbolic representations of chemical compounds that indicate the types and numbers of atoms present. For polyatomic ions like sulfite, the formula includes the ion's charge, which is important for understanding how it interacts with other ions in a compound. Mastery of writing chemical formulas is fundamental in chemistry for conveying information about substances.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

The formula for the sulfate ion, SO₄^2–. If the term of 'thio' means the replacement of an oxygen by a sulfur, what is the formula for the thiosulfate ion?

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