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Quizzes > Science

Polyatomic ion quiz: name common ions, formulas, and charges

Quick, free common polyatomic ions quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kostas ManiatisUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style molecular shapes and quiz text for common polyatomic ions bromite BRO4 on sky blue background.

This polyatomic ion quiz helps you practice names, formulas, and charges so you can recall them fast on homework and exams. For extra drills, try the naming polyatomic ions quiz and build speed with polyatomic ions practice, then check mixed questions in the polyatomic ions test.

What is the chemical formula for the nitrate ion?
NO2?
NO?²?
NO3?
NO3?
The nitrate ion consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and carries a single negative charge. Nitrate is one of the most common polyatomic ions in chemistry. Its formula is written as NO3? to indicate the charge.
Name the ion with the formula CO?²?.
Carbonate
Periodate
Sulfate
Bicarbonate
The CO?²? ion, consisting of one carbon atom and three oxygens with a -2 charge, is known as carbonate. Bicarbonate is HCO?? and sulfate is SO?²?. Carbonate plays a key role in buffer systems.
What is the chemical formula for the hydroxide ion?
OH?
HO??
H?O
O??
Hydroxide consists of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom carrying a single negative charge, making its formula OH?. It is a fundamental base in acid-base chemistry. The hydroxide ion is commonly found in strong bases like sodium hydroxide.
What is the chemical formula for the phosphate ion?
PO?³?
PO?³?
P?O???
PO?²?
Phosphate is a tetrahedral ion with one phosphorus atom surrounded by four oxygens and carries a -3 charge, giving PO?³?. Phosphates are essential in biological molecules like DNA and ATP. The -3 charge arises because phosphorus is in its +5 oxidation state.
Name the polyatomic ion NH??.
Ammonium
Hydrazine
Azide
Nitride
NH??, the ammonium ion, forms when ammonia (NH?) accepts a proton. It is a positively charged polyatomic ion commonly found in fertilizers. Its single positive charge distinguishes it from neutral ammonia.
What is the name of the ion HSO???
Hydrogen sulfate (bisulfate)
Bisulfite
Sulfate
Sulfite
HSO?? is the hydrogen sulfate ion, also called bisulfate. It forms when sulfuric acid loses one proton but retains a negative charge. Sulfate is SO?²?, and sulfite is SO?²?.
What is the formula for the phosphite ion?
PO?²?
PO?³?
PO?³?
P?O?³?
Phosphite is the PO?³? ion, formed when phosphorous acid loses three protons. It has one less oxygen than phosphate. Phosphites are used as reducing agents in chemistry.
Name the polyatomic ion with the formula BrO??.
Bromite
Perbromate
Hypobromite
Bromate
BrO?? is called bromite, having two oxygens bound to bromine with a -1 charge. Bromate is BrO?? and perbromate is BrO??. Bromite is less common but follows the -ite naming convention for one fewer oxygen than bromate.
What is the formula for the perbromate ion?
BrO??
Br?O??
BrO??
BrO??
Perbromate is the highest oxidation state oxyanion of bromine with four oxygens and a -1 charge, written BrO??. Bromate has three oxygens. The 'per-' prefix indicates the maximum number of oxygens.
Name the polyatomic ion with formula S?O?²?.
Dithionite
Persulfate
Disulfide
Thiosulfate
S?O?²? is the thiosulfate ion, where one oxygen of sulfate is replaced by sulfur. It is commonly used in photographic fixing. 'Thio-' denotes substitution of oxygen by sulfur.
What is the formula for the dichromate ion?
Cr?O?²?
Cr?O?²?
CrO?²?
CrO?²?
Dichromate consists of two chromium atoms and seven oxygens with a net -2 charge, giving Cr?O?²?. It is in equilibrium with chromate (CrO?²?) depending on pH. Dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent in acid solution.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Polyatomic Ions -

    Recognize and name key ions featured in a common polyatomic ions quiz, reinforcing your familiarity with their chemical formulas.

  2. Recall the Bromite Charge -

    State the correct bromite charge and explain its oxidation state, ensuring you master the specific bromite charge.

  3. Determine the BRO4 Charge -

    Calculate and justify the charge of BRO4 based on electron count and oxidation rules, solidifying your understanding of this formula.

  4. Differentiate Ion Naming Suffixes -

    Distinguish between "-ite" and "-ate" suffixes and their associated polyatomic ion charges, clarifying how naming reflects oxygen content.

  5. Apply Naming Conventions -

    Use systematic naming rules to identify and name unfamiliar polyatomic ions, improving your ability to tackle new compounds.

  6. Reinforce Polyatomic Ion Charges -

    Self-assess and strengthen your grasp of polyatomic ion charges through targeted quiz questions and explanations.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Oxygen Count and Name Suffixes (-ite vs -ate) -

    In the common polyatomic ions quiz, recognizing that "-ite" indicates one fewer oxygen than "-ate" is crucial. For example, bromite (BrO2−) has the bromite charge of −1, while bromate (BrO3−) also carries −1. This systematic naming follows IUPAC conventions found on university chemistry department sites.

  2. Hypo- and Per- Prefixes for Extremes -

    Prep for questions on hypo- and per- by noting that "hypo-" means one oxygen fewer than an "-ite," and "per-" means one more than an "-ate." Thus, hypobromite (BrO−) and perbromate (BrO4−) both have a −1 charge, teaching you the bro4 charge is −1. These rules align with standardized nomenclature from the ACS and IUPAC.

  3. Consistent Polyatomic Ion Charges -

    Most polyatomic ions carry the same charge across their naming series; for example, all bromine oxyanions (BrO−, BrO2−, BrO3−, BrO4−) have a −1 charge. Master the pattern of polyatomic ion charges to avoid errors when writing formulas. Reference charts from reputable university chemistry guides (e.g., MIT OpenCourseWare) reinforce this consistency.

  4. Use Mnemonics for Quick Recall -

    Employ mnemonics like "Nick the Camel ate a Clam for Supper in Phoenix" to remember NO3− (nitrate), ClO3− (chlorate), SO4^2− (sulfate), and PO4^3− (phosphate). You can adapt this to bromine ions: "Bromite, Bromate, Perbromate" as BrO2−, BrO3−, BrO4−. Such memory tricks are endorsed by educational research repositories for boosting retention.

  5. Applying Ions in Balancing Equations -

    When balancing redox or precipitation reactions, treat polyatomic ions like a single unit (e.g., SO4^2− remains intact). Accurately using bromite and bro4 charge in equations ensures atomic and charge balance, a skill highlighted in general chemistry lab manuals from leading universities. Practice by writing out half-reactions to solidify this approach.

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