Each of the following ionic compounds dissolve in water. Write the formula for the cation and anion in each compound. (NOTE: be sure to include the charge on each ion.

a) BaCl₂

b) KNO₃

c) NH₄ClO₄

d) NaC₂H₃O₂

Answers

Since these are all ionic compounds they contain ions. When dissolved in water the ions separate from each other. To identify the ions we have to recognize the metals as cations. What is left is the anion. It will help that you have memorized Table 5.4 so you recognize the polyatomic anions and their charge.

a) The ions in BaCl₂ are Ba²⁺ and Cl^–.

b) The ions in KNO₃ are K⁺ and NO₃^–.

c) The ions in NH₄ClO₄ are NH₄⁺ and ClO₄^–.

d) The ions in NaC₂H₃O₂ are Na⁺ and C₂H₃O₂^–.