Mastering Cation and Anion Formulas: Tips and Tricks for Balancing Equations

[Austin 7x]

I need like a lot of help with the Formulas contain anion and Cations. I was doing some homework with them and I do not understand. For example: (NH4)^3N | GIVE ANION AND CATION:

problems like that, i don't understand really how to balacnce the formula and write out a formula. Can some one please tell me like an easy and good way to figure these types of problems oUt?

 

[Astronuc]

Cation is the positive (+) ion, anion is the negative (-) ion.

Usually metals are + and complex ions and non-metals are -.

The further left on the periodic table the tendency is for the atom to oxidize or become positive (they are more electropositive). The further right, i.e. toward the halogens, the tendency is to be negative (electronegative). The noble gases are basically inert, except under certain conditions, some like Xe and Kr can form fluorides and perhaps chlorides.

Try these sites - http://www.cas.astate.edu/draganjac/cationanion.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/65615list.html

http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/atoms/index.shtml#naming-ions

Or one can Google "cations" or "anions"

BTW - this post belongs in the Other Sciences Homework section.

Also, check our thread on Chemistry Websites - https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=38669

 

[Austin 7x]

hey thanks a lot for your help, do you also have an easy way on how do solve them thoigh?

 

[Astronuc]

It's pretty much learn by doing.

Metals tend to be cations, and halogens and non-metals tend to be anions.

Then there are complex ions, like phosphate PO₄^3- or sulfate SO₄^2-, which you just have to learn. Once you become familiar with them, they become second nature.