Which of the following best describes the meaning of the '-ite' ending in the names of polyatomic ions?

• A. It indicates the ion has fewer oxygen atoms than the '-ate' form.
• B. It indicates the ion contains hydrogen.
• C. It indicates the ion has more oxygen atoms than the '-ate' form.
• D. It indicates the ion is negatively charged.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that polyatomic ions often come in related pairs or series where the suffixes '-ate' and '-ite' indicate different numbers of oxygen atoms in the ion.
2. Recall that the '-ate' suffix is typically used for the polyatomic ion with the greater number of oxygen atoms in a series.
3. Recognize that the '-ite' suffix is used for the polyatomic ion that has fewer oxygen atoms than the '-ate' form but otherwise has the same charge and central atom.
4. Note that the presence of hydrogen in a polyatomic ion is usually indicated by the prefix 'hydrogen' or 'bi-', not by the '-ite' or '-ate' suffixes.
5. Conclude that the '-ite' ending specifically signifies that the ion contains fewer oxygen atoms than the corresponding '-ate' ion.