Question

examine each of the formulas and the polyatomic ions referenced to the left. which formula is followed by the correct name?

calcium chloride

barium sulfite

magnesium nitrite

potassium nitrate

Explanation:

• For \(Mg_3N_2\): The polyatomic ion for nitrite is \(NO_2^{-}\), but \(Mg_3N_2\) contains \(N^{3 -}\) (nitride ion), not nitrite.
• For \(BaSO_4\): The polyatomic ion for sulfite is \(SO_3^{2 -}\), but \(BaSO_4\) contains \(SO_4^{2 -}\) (sulfate ion), not sulfite.
• For \(CaCl_2\): It does not contain any of the polyatomic ions (nitrite \(NO_2^{-}\), nitrate \(NO_3^{-}\), hydroxide \(OH^{-}\), carbonate \(CO_3^{2 -}\), sulfate \(SO_4^{2 -}\)) listed in the table.
• For \(KNO_3\): It contains the nitrate ion \(NO_3^{-}\) as shown in the table.

Answer:

KNO₃, potassium nitrate