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How to Write the Formula for Sodium nitrate

Learning to name chemical compounds requires that you:

  • Determine the type of compound you are working with.
  • Apply the rules for naming that type of compound.
  • Practice until it becomes second nature.
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Get more practice writing formulas for compounds.

For Sodium nitrate use the hints and resources below to help write the formula.

Hint for Writing the Formula for Sodium nitrate

For Sodium nitrate we have a metal (Sodium) and then a polyatomic ion (when you see a name ending in ate it is likely an ion).
  • Write the element symbol and ionic charge for Sodium.
  • Look up the formula and charge for the Nitrate ion on the Common Ion Table
  • Balance the charges so the total charge on the compound is zero.

Sodium nitrate Resources