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The Language of Chemistry

Special non-metal groups of atoms

A few groups of non-metals exist which have bonding arms and are able to bond with metals. These are called radicals. Four of these radical groups are shown below:

Image

Name

hydroxide radical
(1 bonding arm)

carbonate radical
(2 bonding arms)

sulphate radical
(2 bonding arms)

nitrate radical
(1 bonding arm)

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The table below shows how these radical groups bond with metals to form compounds.

Image

Name Notes

potassium hydroxide Both potassium and the hydroxide radical have one bonding arm each.
Ratio 1 :1

copper II carbonate Both copper and the the carbonate radical have two bonding arms.
Ratio 1:1

sodium sulphate Sodium has one bonding arm and the sulphate radical has two.
Ratio 2:1

calcium nitrate Calcium has two bonding arms and the nitrate radical has one.
Ratio 1:2

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