Question

covalent compounds
covalent compounds are composed of two nonmetal elements.
rules for naming
the first element keeps its name
the first element gets a prefix only if there is a subscript greater than 1
the second element gets a prefix
the second element always gets an -ide ending
examples:
co₂ - carbon dioxide
n₂o - dinitrogen oxide
write the formula for the following covalent compound:
tetraphosphorus trisulfide

Explanation:

Step1: Identify prefixes

"tetra-" means 4, "tri-" means 3.

Step2: Assign elements

Phosphorus (P) has prefix "tetra-", so 4 P atoms. Sulfur (S) has prefix "tri-", so 3 S atoms.

Step3: Write formula

Combine the atoms with their counts: \( P_4S_3 \)

Answer:

\( P_4S_3 \)