1.       Write H as first part of the formula

2.       Identify the second part by whether it has hydro- in the name or not. Do step 3 or 4!!

3.       If hydro is in the name, then write a nonmetal as the second part.

4.       If NO hydro is in the name, use the ending to determine which polyatomic ion to write.

a.        IC –  write polyatomic ion with ate ending

b.       OUS –  write polyatomic ion with ite ending

5.       Swap and drop charges to identify the subscript on H

Nitric Acid HNO₃

Chromic Acid  H₂CrO₄

Hydrochloric Acid  HCl