- #1
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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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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the distinction between polyatomic ions that use the suffixes "-ate" and "-ite." Participants explore the criteria for choosing the appropriate suffix based on oxidation states and memorization strategies.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses confusion about the criteria for using "-ate" versus "-ite," mentioning a possible connection to charge and subscripts.
- Another participant suggests that the discussion may be more appropriate for a science education context, indicating a potential misplacement of the thread.
- It is noted that memorization of polyatomic ions is necessary, as the suffixes do not correspond to a fixed number but rather depend on the specific ion.
- Examples are provided, such as sulfite (SO3) and sulfate (SO4), as well as nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3), highlighting the relationship between the two forms.
- A participant states that "-ite" refers to a lower oxidation state while "-ate" refers to a higher oxidation state, using copper sulfite and copper sulfate as examples.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to understanding the suffixes, with some focusing on memorization and others discussing oxidation states.
Contextual Notes
There is an indication that the understanding of these suffixes may depend on specific definitions and the memorization of individual polyatomic ions, which could vary in complexity.
- #2
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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. 
- #3
Concorde
- 7
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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.
- #4
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OK, thanks very much!
- #5
renerob
- 20
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Ite refers to the lower state of oxidation and ate to the higher state. Example: copper sulfite and copper sulfate.
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