What is the correct method for writing ionic compounds?

The correct method for writing ionic compounds involves determining the charges of both the cation (positively charged ion) and the anion (negatively charged ion) and then balancing those charges to create a neutral compound. When you have the charges, you cross and drop the numbers, which means that the magnitude of the charge of one ion becomes the subscript of the other. This ensures that the total positive charge and total negative charge in the compound is equal, resulting in an electrically neutral compound.

For example, if you have sodium (Na) with a charge of +1 and chloride (Cl) with a charge of -1, you would understand that one Na ion balances one Cl ion. Therefore, the formula for sodium chloride is NaCl, indicating the appropriate ratio and the neutral charge of the compound.

This method is systematic and adheres to the principles of charge neutrality in ionic compounds, making it a reliable approach to correctly writing the formulas of such compounds. In contrast, listing elements alphabetically or using prefixes is more appropriate for molecular compounds, while placing the nonmetal first is not a requirement for ionic compounds, where the metal typically comes first.