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.

Naming and Formula Writing Overview

Learning to name and write formulas for chemical compounds requires practice with immediate feedback to help you learn from mistakes.

1. Your first step is to learn how to tell what type of compound you have. This is something you need to master before naming or writing chemical formulas. Make sure you can tell the difference between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids on the Periodic Table.

2. Once you know the type of compound you can apply the rules specific to that type of compound. For most high school and first year university chemistry you should be able to name and write formulas for the following:

Watch on YouTube

3. Practice until you are able to quickly identify the type of compound (you'll need a Periodic Table and an Ion Sheet) and correctly write the name or formula. Watch the short video above to learn where you can get lots of effective practice.