Resources

Learning to Name and Write Formulas:

- Determining the type of compound you are working with.

- Applying the rules for naming or formula writing for that type of compound.

- Practicing until it becomes second nature.

How to Write Formulas for Acids

Compounds beginning with H (Hydrogen) are usually considered to be acids. When were asked to write the formula for an acid, when given the name, we follow a set of rules depending on the type of acids. The video below discusses how to tell what type of acids you're dealing with and how to use the rules to write the formula.

Formula Writing Rules:

Hydro + stem + ic
1. Write H.
2. Use the stem to find element name on the periodic table.
3. Balance the charges.

Stem + ic
1. Write the ion: stem + ate
2. Look up ion on Common Ion Table.
3. Write H and then the ion formula
4. Balance the charges.

Stem + ous
1. Write H.
2. Write the ion: stem + ite
3. Write H and then the ion formula.
4. Balance the charges.