What is the name of the compound Na2SO4?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the compound Na2SO4?

Explanation:
Naming ionic compounds is about putting the metal cation name first and then the polyatomic anion name. The sulfate ion is SO4^2-. In the salt Na2SO4, two sodium ions balance one sulfate ion, so the name is sodium sulphate (or sodium sulfate). The -ate ending tells you it’s an oxyanion, and you don’t add a prefix for the number of ions in the usual naming of such salts. The spelling with a ph is a regional variant, and the key idea is the combination of the cation sodium with the sulfate anion. The other options would name different salts: a potassium-containing salt would be potassium sulfate, and a magnesium-containing salt would be magnesium sulfate.

Naming ionic compounds is about putting the metal cation name first and then the polyatomic anion name. The sulfate ion is SO4^2-. In the salt Na2SO4, two sodium ions balance one sulfate ion, so the name is sodium sulphate (or sodium sulfate). The -ate ending tells you it’s an oxyanion, and you don’t add a prefix for the number of ions in the usual naming of such salts. The spelling with a ph is a regional variant, and the key idea is the combination of the cation sodium with the sulfate anion.

The other options would name different salts: a potassium-containing salt would be potassium sulfate, and a magnesium-containing salt would be magnesium sulfate.

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