Polyatomic Ion Trainer

Instructions

  1. Choose Flashcards or Quiz game, a direction, and an ion set. Start with a smaller set, then mix them.
  2. Flashcards: recall the answer before flipping. Choose “Still learning” to bring the card back later.
  3. Quiz: choose a complete formula and charge, or the ion name. Keys 1-4 also work. Read each correction before continuing.
  4. Untimed practice is the default. The optional 20-second challenge awards the same points per correct answer. Missed ions can be reviewed afterward.

Progress is kept in this tab only. This is an individual practice game.
Options
Reference & memory patterns · 17 shaded ions

Try recalling before opening the reference. Use short sessions and return tomorrow to check what stuck.

Compare related ions: nitrate has one more oxygen than nitrite; sulfate has one more than sulfite. Within the chlorine family: hypochlorite → chlorite → chlorate → perchlorate adds one oxygen at each step. Their charge stays 1−.

Adding H⁺ raises the charge by +1: carbonate 2− → hydrogen carbonate 1−. Learn each complete formula and charge together.

About this activity

Learn the names, formulas and charges of common polyatomic ions. Study with flashcards, then test yourself with a multiple-choice challenge.

Related lessons