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How do you recognize a neutral compound or polyatomic ion?
So if it's like NaBrO, how do I know that's not a polyatomic and it is a neutral compound?
Do I just memorize the polyatomics so I know what's not polyatoimc?
Thanks!
1 Answer
- 10 years agoFavorite Answer
you look at their oxidation states. Na has an oxidation state of +1
Br has an oxidation state of +1 and oxygen has -2
The total value of these oxidation states should be 0 unless stated otherwise. If it is 0 then it is not a polyatomic ion. But BrO or hypobromite is a polyatomic ion with a charge of -1
It is highly recommended you memorize the polyatomic ions though.