I'm completely confused about Ionic Compounds! Please Help!

Question

So in chemistry, we are doing ionic and polyatomic compunds. I already understand the basics, with combining the two compounds, swapping their charges, and naming them. But, we just started learning about naming them with roman numerals, using -ic and -ous, and about identifying specific elements with specific cations and anions. Also, naming compounds or giving the chemical formula to which compounds have so many elements in them! I'm so confused!!! Could anybody please explain this to me in a way I'd understand?

Answer 1

I definitely believe that I can, but that is too much information to type into this post....However, I will try...

 

Roman numerals are used to help identify transition metals because they can have more than one charge.

 

-ic and -ous can be used 2 ways. It can also determine the charge of a transition metal that has 2 different charges (Cupric [+2] and Cuprous [+1]), both of which of Copper. 

 

-ic and -ous can also be used to name acids.  Polyatomic ions that end in -ate end in -ic when they are combined with H, creating an acid.  Polyatomic ions that end in -ite become -ous when combined with H, again, creating an acid.

 

I think I would need examples to help with the rest.  Feel free to contact me to get help with specific questions.

 

I hoped this helped!