Problem: What is the chemical formula for potassium sulfate?

In this problem, we are asked to write the ionic compound formula of potassium sulfate. 

Recall that an ionic compound is composed of a positive ion called a cation connected to a negative ion called an anion. 

Recall the rules for naming ionic compounds: 

1. The metal (cation) is named normally and written first

– For transition metals, we use Roman numerals to denote its charge.

2. The nonmetal (anion) keeps its base name but has its ending change to –ide. 

3. If polyatomic ions are present, they retain their name 

**no need to change the ending to –ide