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With the Polyatomic ions, how do you tell an "ate" from an "ite" when choosing the suffix? I didn't quite catch what the teacher was saying but there was something about the charge compared with the subscript, I think? 
Polyatomic ions, -ate and -ite suffixes
- Thread starter Math Is Hard
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In summary, when it comes to polyatomic ions, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an -ate and an -ite suffix. It is important to memorize the ions, as the number of atoms and charge will vary depending on the specific ion. However, you only need to memorize the -ite form, as the -ate form will always have one more atom. The suffix -ite refers to the lower state of oxidation, while -ate refers to the higher state.
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er.. maybe this actually belongs in science education area. I just saw the restructuring. Feel free to move this if needed.
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Concorde
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You generally have to memorize the polyatomic ions, since an -ate won't have a set number and neither will an -ite, it will depend on what the poly. ion is.
Such as sulfite (SO3) and sulfate (S04) vs. Nitrite (NO2) and Nitrate (NO3)
However, you only need to memroize the -ite one, since you know the -ate one is always just going to have one more.
Such as sulfite (SO3) and sulfate (S04) vs. Nitrite (NO2) and Nitrate (NO3)
However, you only need to memroize the -ite one, since you know the -ate one is always just going to have one more.
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OK, thanks very much!
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renerob
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Ite refers to the lower state of oxidation and ate to the higher state. Example: copper sulfite and copper sulfate.
1. What are polyatomic ions?
Polyatomic ions are charged molecules that contain two or more atoms covalently bonded together. They have an overall charge due to the gain or loss of electrons, making them either positively or negatively charged.
2. What is the difference between -ate and -ite suffixes in polyatomic ions?
The -ate and -ite suffixes represent different oxidation states of the same element in a polyatomic ion. -ate ions have a higher oxidation state than -ite ions, meaning they have more oxygen atoms bonded to the central atom.
3. How are polyatomic ions named?
Polyatomic ions are named based on the number of oxygen atoms present. The -ate suffix is used for the ion with the most oxygen atoms, while the -ite suffix is used for the ion with one less oxygen atom. If there is an ion with even less oxygen atoms, the prefix "hypo-" is added, and if there is an ion with one more oxygen atom, the prefix "per-" is added.
4. What is the relationship between polyatomic ions and ionic compounds?
Polyatomic ions can combine with other ions to form ionic compounds. In these compounds, the overall charge of the compound must be neutral, meaning the positive and negative charges of the ions must balance out.
5. Are polyatomic ions always negatively charged?
No, polyatomic ions can be positively or negatively charged, depending on the number of electrons they have gained or lost. For example, the ammonium ion (NH4+) is a positively charged polyatomic ion.
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