Writing Chemical Formulae

Here is an activity which is both visual and kinaesthetic (involves movement of your hand and finger muscles)
that can be used to help you learn to write, or practice writing chemical formulae.

A series of cards representing common anions and cations are used. Each card has both the symbol and name of
the ion written on them.

For example, you may be given some cards and asked to write the formula for sodium chloride

This requires one sodium ion (card) and one chloride ion (card), therefore the formula for sodium chloride is
written NaCl.

Similarly for sodium sulphate

This requires two sodium ions (cards) and one sulphate ion (card), therefore the formula for sodium sulphate
can be written Na2SO4.

Some common anions and cations are represented on the following pages. You are required to print them out,
colour them, paste them to cardboards and cut the shapes to make them ready for use.

Here are some suggested colours for the sake of uniformity.

Cation Colour Cation Colour Anion Colour Anion Colour

Li+ Pb2+ F- SO42-

Na+ Cu2+ Cl- SO32-

K+ Mg2+ Br- O2-

NH4+ Ba2+ I- CO32-

H+ Fe2+ H- PO43-
Ag+ Fe3+ OH- S2-

Ca2+ Al3+ NO3-

Zn2+ NO2-
Card One

Card Two

Card Three

Card Four