Question

Question #f01f4

Answer 1

In English it's a lot easier than in Dutch.
(e.g. we have to go from "zwavel" to "sulfaat")

Explanation:

You memorize the elements. Then take the central element in the ion, strip off the suffix and add "-ate" or " ite".
So `C`=carbon becomes `CO_3^(2-)` carbonate
and `Si`=silicon becomes `SiO_3^(2-)` silicate

-ate or -ite?
The -ite has one oxigen atom less than the -ate
Sulfate `SO_4^(2-)` vs sulfite `SO_3^(2-)`

But:
It can get even worse. See the following line-up:
`ClO^-` hypochlorite
`ClO_2^-` chlorite
`ClO_3^-` chlorate
`ClO_4^-` (hy)perchlorate
But you see the -ite/-ate rule still stands, just needed some extension.