How to write formulas for non-metal compounds

Colored inorganic salts in test tubes

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A lesson activity on writing formulas for non-metal compounds with a student worksheet 

This PowerPoint lesson activity will help you to introduce learners to names and formulas for non-metal compounds and the chemical information they contain. The activity includes:

  • how the name of a substance can indicate the elements in a compound
  • understanding the prefixes mono-, di-, tri- etc.
  • compounds with common names that need to be learnt, eg methane
  • links between the name and the chemical formula and how to deduce one from another
  • try-it-for-yourself exercise, with answers

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