Ionic Formula Writing and Naming - Ternary

There are many groups of atoms that are joined together with covalent bonds, but are charged particles. These are called polyatomic ions. When writing the formulas for compounds with polyatomic ions, the same basic principle is applied that was learned from writing binary formulas. The sum of the negative charges must still balance out the sum of the positive charges. Remember, if there is more than one polyatomic ion in a formula, it is necessary to place parentheses around the entire polyatomic ion.

Here is a very short list of some compounds with polyatomic ions that you probably have in your pantry, medicine cabinet, or even under your kitchen sink: Sodium bicarbonate, sodium hypochlorite, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, calcium sulfate, potassium hydrogen tartrate. Can you figure out the common names for each of these compounds? They are baking soda, bleach, Epsom salts, milk of magnesia, washing soda, plaster of Paris, and cream of tartar.