Balancing Charges in Ionic Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to write the chemical formula for potassium sulfate. It begins by identifying potassium on the periodic table and recognizing sulfate as a polyatomic ion. The tutorial discusses the ionic charges of potassium and sulfate, emphasizing the need for a net charge of zero in the compound. The crisscross method is introduced to balance the charges, resulting in the formula K2SO4. The tutorial concludes by verifying the formula and ensuring the charges add up to zero, confirming the correctness of the formula.

What is the symbol for potassium on the periodic table?

• Po

• Pt

• K

• P

Which of the following is a polyatomic ion?

• Oxygen

• Chlorine

• Sulfate

• Potassium

Why do the charges on potassium and sulfate need to add up to zero?

• To make the compound acidic

• To ensure the compound is neutral

• To make the compound basic

• To increase the compound's reactivity

What is the ionic charge of potassium?

• 1+

• 2+

• 1-

• 2-

What method is used to balance the charges in potassium sulfate?

• Crisscross method

• Addition method

• Substitution method

• Elimination method

In the crisscross method, what happens to the charges?

• They are added together

• They are subtracted

• They are swapped as subscripts

• They are ignored

How many potassium ions are needed to balance one sulfate ion?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What is the final formula for potassium sulfate?

• K2S

• K2SO4

• KSO4

• KSO3

What is the net charge of potassium sulfate?

• 1-

• 1+

• 0

• 2-