STEP 1
Write the symbols of each ion.
Ba2+ Cl−
Chemistry Sample
Click through these slides to see how to write the ionic formula of the compound containing Ba2+ and Cl−.
STEP 2
Balance the charges.
Ba2+ + Cl− Cl−
STEP 3
Write the metal first, followed by the nonmetal, using a subscript to represent the number of Cl− ions needed to give charge balance.
BaCl2