What is usually indicated by an -ite or -ate ending in a chemical formula?
A. The compound carries a net ionic charge of zero.
B. The compound contains a polyatomic ion.
C. The compound is an acid.
D. The compound is molecular.
Actually, the correct answer is B. The -ite or -ate ending in a chemical formula typically indicates the presence of a polyatomic ion. Polyatomic ions are groups of bonded atoms that carry a net charge and behave as a single unit in chemical reactions. Examples of polyatomic ions include sulfate (SO4²⁻), nitrate (NO3⁻), and phosphate (PO4³⁻). So, the presence of an -ite or -ate ending in a chemical formula usually signifies the presence of a polyatomic ion.
Actually, the correct answer is B. The presence of an -ite or -ate ending in a chemical formula typically indicates that the compound contains a polyatomic ion. Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that carry a net charge and behave as a single unit in chemical reactions. These ions often have an -ite or -ate ending in their names. For example, sulfate (SO4^2-) and nitrate (NO3^-) are common polyatomic ions. So, when you see an -ite or -ate ending in a chemical formula, it suggests the presence of a polyatomic ion.