Further example on cross-change method

Example 1
Write the chemical formula for aluminium hydroxide.
Ion Aluminium ion, Al3+ Hydroxide ion, OH–
Charge of ion +3 –1
Number of ions 1 3

Hence, 1 Al3+ ion combines with 3 OH– ions

Chemical formula: Al(OH)3

Check: Total positive charge : 1 × (+3) = +3

Total negative charge : 3 × (–1) = –3
Total charge : 0 Balanced

Reminder
If the cation and anion have the same charge, you need to determine the simplest ratio
of the ions.

Example 2
Write the chemical formula for zinc carbonate.
Ion Zinc ion, Zn2+ Carbonate ion, CO32–
Charge of ion +2 –2
Number of ions 2 2
Simplest ionic
1 1
ratio

Hence, 1 Zn2+ ion combines with 1 CO32– ion

Chemical formula : ZnCO3

Check: Total positive charge : 1 × (+2) = +2

Total negative charge : 1 × (–2) = –2
Total charge : 0 Balanced